experience with trip.com

Trip.com   Reviews

In the Travel Agency category

Visit this website

Company activity See all

Write a review

Reviews 4.2.

73,383 total

Most relevant

Food and Kilos

Flight booking is easy and value for money; Baggage to purchase separately is also easy but a bit pricy. If going as a family you dont need all passenger to have baggage allowance. So please have that matter to be look at, where when tickets booked together is either family or groups of friends and relatives who have no problem sharing their kilos. F&B, I forgot to purchase our food. And why should it be any difference when purchased later during on board. Its still the same quantity and quality. Its just that sometimes when making the bookings, not all passengers are there. So its hard to know who wants what.

Date of experience : March 19, 2024

Reply from Trip.com

Hi AminuddinHS, Thank you very much for your kind review. We are delighted to learn that you had a seamless booking experience. Your satisfaction motivates us to keep improving our services. Your continued support means a lot to us, and we can't wait to serve you on your future journeys with us. Thank you once again for choosing us. Best regards, Layla Trip.com

Excellent continuous work by an…

Excellent continuous work by an executive named Rola 29671450057 from Trip. com, helped me at all times looking for the best solution for the difficulties that the airline gave us. Thank you very much for everything Rola!!!

Date of experience : March 21, 2024

Hi Carolyn . A Mayans, Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive review. We genuinely appreciate you sharing your experience with our customer support. At our company, we are committed to delivering excellent customer experiences every day. Your feedback motivates us to maintain our best practices and go above and beyond to exceed our customer's expectations. We are eagerly looking forward to our next trip with you, and we thank you for choosing us. Have a wonderful day. Best regards, Skylar Trip.com

Amazing people amazing stay

Although communication is a challenge, the staff is just AMAZING! Super friendly and always finding ways to assist you. Long time I have not experienced such a sense of hospitality (not a play but truly felt). The hotel is super clean and you can even wash your clothes free of charge in the many washing machines available. Very modern infrastructure and you can share your elevator with some robots making food deliveries to the many rooms. Funny !!!

Date of experience : March 15, 2024

Hi Stephane N., Thank you so much for your time in leaving this positive review. I am delighted to know that you are satisfied with your stay. Our user-friendly application/website is designed to provide you with a range of options to plan your desired travel or vacation. We will continue to improve our services to ensure that you have the best possible experience with us. Thank you once again for choosing Trip.com, and we look forward to embarking on a beautiful journey with you soon. Best regards, Ellie Trip.com

Railcard joy…

My experience was in the purchase of a railcard via trip.com I was having great difficulty accessing the card via the app and emailed for advice. The customer care team could not have been more helpful and a very nice lady rang me to explain my problem which was quickly resolved Thanks to her patienc and kindness

Date of experience : March 20, 2024

Hi Maureen Torres, Thank you for taking the time to provide us with such a wonderful review. We appreciate you sharing your experience with our customer support. Our team is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences, and your feedback serves as a great source of motivation for us to maintain our high standards and exceed our customers' expectations. We are grateful for your choice in selecting our services, and we hope you have a fantastic day. Best regards, Kylie Trip.com

Great solution to a hotel cancelation and great customer service

I booked a hotel through Trip.com, however the actual hotel ended up canceling the reservation the day of my stay. Besides offering other hotel options, since the initial reservation had been cancelled, without hesitation, Trip.com refunded me for the price I had paid initially and in addition, gave me the same amount in points, which i used toward the new reservation. Trip.com giving me these points allowed me to book a comparable hotel without stressing about the higher cost of booking the day of. Great customer service from the lady who helped me as well.

Date of experience : March 16, 2024

Hi marcella king, Thank you for taking the time to leave this lovely review. We appreciate that you shared your experience with our customer support. Please know that we strive every day to provide the best customer experience to our customers. Your feedback motivates us to continue our best practices and exceed our customers' expectations. We look forward to our next trip with you. Thank you for choosing us. Have a wonderful day. Best regards, Riley Trip.com

I normally use this site to do a searching for hotel or flight

Normally I use trip for searching for hotels and flights and they are usually the cheapest or will match the price. On my computer I have a app that runs in the background and when I find a site that has the flight or hotel I want this app (cheaperThere) checks other sites to give you the best price 9 out of 10 time Trip.com comes out as the best price, I also use them as they give you credit points (coins) to use later, so I like this site as they do offer me everything i want, not to say i still look at other sites as they all want to be the cheapest and best. This is good for the customers as we can get the best prices if your willing to do some research and wait till your happy with the price.

Date of experience : March 17, 2024

Hi GERALD WILKES, Thank you for your positive feedback. We greatly appreciate your kind words and are delighted to hear that you are pleased with our service. At Trip.com, our primary goal is to ensure an outstanding customer service experience, and your feedback is highly valuable to us. We are excited about the opportunity to continue delivering excellent service to you in the future. Best regards, Evelyn Trip.com

Booking.com saved my day

“Your ticket(s) are on their way,” said the email. Great! It was late afternoon and the onward flight from São Paulo to Quito through Booking.com I’d just booked meant I could avoid needing to produce a visa when checking in for my international flight to Brazil from Johannesburg, South Africa, the following morning. But two lines down, the following sentence made my heart sink: “Ticket(s) will be issued within 48 hr(s).” Oh CRAP! Actually, I used a stronger four letter word. This was a disaster. Why had I left my first booking with Booking.com so late? But guess what? The next morning I checked my inbox and my e-ticket was there! There might be less cost dealing direct with the airlines but sometimes it’s simpler using a platform like Booking when there are technical issues preventing you booking that way. Booking.com, thank you for saving the day!

Hi Deon B, Thank you for sharing this positive comment. We are thrilled to learn that you had a seamless booking experience. Our user-friendly application and website strive to offer a wide variety of options to assist you in planning your ideal travel or vacation. Thanks again for your kind feedback, and we anticipate the opportunity to embark on a delightful journey with you in the near future. Have a wonderful day. Best regards, Kylie Trip.com

Love using Trip.Com

One good things about Trip.Com, this hotel platform have most of the hotel local in Malaysia. From budget to the 5 star but sometimes the rate is slightly higher from Dida Travel. Appreciate if you can always give better rates than Dida. The customer service is always good.

Hi Pearl Hashim, Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your positive feedback. We are thrilled to hear that you were satisfied with our APP/Website, and your kind words have made our day. At Trip.com, we are committed to providing our customers with the best possible deals and offers. We are pleased to hear that you have found our app/website useful, and we encourage you to continue using it to find more deals that meet your needs. We look forward to serving you on your next journey with us soon. Thank you once again for choosing Trip.com. Best regards, Ariana Trip.com

We were trying to book a flight via your website but unfortunately, everytime we wanted to make the final payment, we were informed that that specific flight is no longer available. This was extremely tyring and annoying. I know flights can sell out quickly but this happened to us at least 5 times within 10 minutes.

Dear Customer, Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. Kindly be guided that the flight ticket's price/availability is subject to change from time to time based on the number of seats left on the airline system. Your feedback is highly valued, and we are taking it seriously. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter. Thank you so much, and have a nice day! Best regards, Ariana Trip.com

Sevilla city centre

Booked a city centre hotel in Seville through trip.com- it came in over 10 euro less than booking direct with the hotel too! Email confirmation came through immediately. Absolutely hassle free transaction, would highly recommend trip.com and I will use again in future

Hi Amanda, Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your valuable feedback. We appreciate your effort in writing a review for us. At Trip.com, we are committed to providing our customers with the best deals and offers in the market, and we are pleased to hear that you find them interesting and affordable. We will continue to work hard to improve our services and provide even more competitive deals for our customers. We hope that you will continue to use our app/website and find a deal that suits your needs. Thank you once again for choosing Trip.com, and we look forward to serving you in the future. Best regards, Morgan Trip.com

Trip.com app is efficient and reliable. …

Trip.com app is very efficient and reliable. It is also easy to access and booking hotel for commodation; and it is also handy to book airport transport from the app with a good service from the driver and punturity. Overall it is a good travelling experience with trip.com.

Date of experience : March 10, 2024

Hi Jim, Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your positive feedback. We are thrilled to hear that you were satisfied with our APP/Website, and your kind words have made our day. At Trip.com, we are committed to providing our customers with the best possible deals and offers. We are pleased to hear that you have found our app/website useful, and we encourage you to continue using it to find more deals that meet your needs. We look forward to serving you on your next journey with us soon. Thank you once again for choosing Trip.com. Best regards, Emilia Trip.com

I love that l can trust Trip.com to get…

I love that l can trust Trip.com to get me the best rates possible as well as alert me on any new lower prices or flight schedule changes to get the best options for my travel plan. It is legit and not like those third party agents where bookings end up being non-existent on the day l need to travel. You get to have your hand held by the App as you travel by suggesting hotels near you, various means of transportation, etc. You also earn Trip coins in the process! Keep up the good work Trip.com!

Date of experience : March 13, 2024

Hi JaCate Wanja, Thank you so much for your feedback. We appreciate your time and effort in writing a review for us. Please know that we will continue to provide interesting yet cheapest offers in the market to all our customers. Please keep using our app/website, and you might find a deal that suits your needs. Again, thank you, and have a great day. Best regards, Angelina Trip.com

Booking on Trip.com was very easy!

Booking on Trip.com was very easy and efficient. I appreciated the amount of info the website provided, such as aircraft type, as well as other options to upgrade baggage allotments, cancellation fees, etc.

Hi S OWEN, Thank you for leaving us your feedback. We are glad to know that our APP/Website provides convenience to our customers, and we are committed to maintaining this level of service while striving to offer even more competitive deals and offers for our valued customers. We truly appreciate your ongoing support, and we can't wait to serve you on your future journeys with us. Thank you for choosing us. Best regards, Kaylee Trip.com

Flexibility in issuing a receipt

Many customers require a proper receipt for reimbursement from the funding agency. Trip.com should have the flexibility to split or issue the receipt for those in need.

Hi Ming-Hsiun Hsieh, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. I appreciate that you shared your experience with us. Please know that we strive every day to provide the best possible customer experience. Your feedback motivates us to continue our best practices and improve where necessary. Your advice is well-received, and we will do our best to optimize our service skills and systems to make it easier for our customers. Best Regards! Hao Trip.com

Worst customer service ever experienced…

Worst customer service ever experienced - take your money and don’t offer any solutions when they cancel your flight After having my flight changed by the airline the travel agent said I had to pay for a change in flight due to the amendment meaning I couldn’t do connecting journey, paid over the odds for tickets and no show of customer service or help . Just trying to get more money out of me despite having insurance. Airline had said if I booked direct I could have had vouchers as a refund but trip.com offer nothing so don’t book with them under any circumstances. To date they have 1000 pounds from me

Dear megan, Thank you for notifying us about this issue. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. Please be assured that we will check it further and reach out to you directly. Your feedback is highly valued, and we are taking it seriously. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter. Best regards, Kylie Trip.com

Great Service

I booked last minute from London to Malaga, they found me an indrect flight with only 55 minute connection and at a good price. Also loked the feature where they do the online check in for you and email u the boarding pass

Hi Rachana Saraogi, Thank you for sharing your feedback with us. We appreciate the effort and time you took to write a review for us. Please rest assured that we are fully committed to consistently providing our customers with captivating yet affordable offers found in the market. We encourage you to continue using our app/website, as there may be a deal that perfectly caters to your preferences. Again, thank you for your valuable feedback, and we hope you have a wonderful day. Best regards, Morgan Trip.com

I use Trip.com almost exclusively

I use Trip.com almost exclusively when I travel in Asia, which I have been doing for the past 16 years. I find the choice of hotels is always very extensive, the rates are usually the best for the hotels. Once you reach diamond level you will get the absolute highest discounts. I usually do not book in advance, I generally will have a car or motorcycle, then I will go see the hotel and the room. Then I ask for their best rate. Truth told Trip.com rates are lower 9 out of 10 times. I highly recommend using their website. Safe Travels and have some fun.

Hi Parrish Wyman, We appreciate your feedback and are glad to hear that you find our APP/Website convenient for our customers. Our team is committed to upholding this level of service and constantly enhancing it to offer even more attractive deals and offers for our valued customers. We sincerely appreciate your continued support, and we're excited to serve you on your next journey with us. Once again, thank you for choosing us as your preferred option. Best regards, Kaylee Trip.com

I wished I could give you a better…

I wished I could give you a better grade, however it was nightmare experience for me. The problem is your failing system for booking and keep draining money from my banking account until I no longer use my credit card until now. I hope you can resolve this problem from now on so anyone else won’t have that problem again.

Dear SITHA HEM, Thank you for bringing this issue to our attention. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience you may have encountered. Kindly know that we will double-check the situation and contact you directly. We value your feedback and are committed to providing a satisfactory experience. Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience caused and appreciate your feedback. Best regards, Angelina Trip.com

The booking was efficient

The booking was efficient! Instance confirmation was good to ease your mind about the trip. Especially like the reminders about flights and hotel check in, etc.

Date of experience : March 11, 2024

Hi Jocelyn, Thank you for providing your feedback. We're thrilled to hear that you find our APP/Website convenient for our customers. Rest assured, we are committed to maintaining this level of service and striving to offer even more competitive deals and promotions to enhance the experience for our customers. Your continued support means a lot to us, and we can't wait to serve you on your future journeys with us. Thank you once again for choosing us. Best regards, Jasmine Trip.com

Trip.com is being unfair to my Cancellation rights upon flight change

I got a flight change notification the other day, and new flight was not suitable for me. Airline was giving a one-time option to fully refund upon cancellation and I cancelled my ticket from Trip.co website. But I got no refund. Then I contacted the customer service, and they say I chose VOLUNTARILY cancellation. I did not choose such a thing. Why would anyone choose a cancellation without a refund?

Dear Ahmet Selçuk Özyurt, Thank you for bringing this concern to our attention. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused you. Please be assured that we will check it further and reach out to you directly. Your feedback is highly valued, and we take it seriously. We appreciate your patience and understanding in this matter. Best regards, Layla Trip.com

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

My 7 Most Unforgettable Travel Experiences

Heather Markel

• Activities and Interests
• Destinations
• Food and Drink
• History and Culture
• Sightseeing

I’ve just started my fourth year of nomadic life. In the past three years, I’ve been to 25 countries (if not for the pandemic, it would have been at least 10 more!) and had some of the most wonderful experiences of my entire life. Here are a few of my favorite experiences in some of the countries I’ve had the privilege to visit:

1. Seeing My First Leopard In South Africa

I was deeply moved by the visceral connection I felt with the land and the people while in South Africa. However, I didn’t expect to become obsessed with seeing a leopard before I left. I went out on several safaris, including Chobe and Etosha national parks, where I missed out on seeing a leopard the first time and was robbed of seeing leopards the second time. Thus began my obsession.

It wasn’t until I got to Kruger National Park that I finally saw one. In fact, I saw five. The first was a mother and cub, but it was dark so impossible to take good photos. The next day, we stopped for one by the side of the road, stalking an impala. Its perfect, sinewy muscles quivered in anticipation, and I felt like I saw the most beautiful animal I had ever encountered. Lean, the perfect killing machine, and yet also stunningly beautiful. Eventually, she walked with a swift, confident gait, and disappeared into the tall, dry grass. I will never forget that leopard.

2. Drinking Yerba Mate And Malbec In Argentina

Last year was my first in Argentina, and it became one of my favorite places in the world. Drinking yerba mate was an experience of sharing culture, intellectual conversation, and making new friends. In Bariloche, I took a class and learned the proper way to prepare it, and that there are many different brands and flavors. I shared many cups with strangers and learned about their lives, and even developed lasting friendships. In my opinion, you cannot truly understand the culture of Argentina without trying at least one cup of this drink, which boosts many healing properties as well!

Before heading to Argentina, I was an avid fan of malbec wine. But there’s no comparison to drinking it in Mendoza. I went to the Uco Valley, famed for the best malbec wines in the world, and they were all excellent. The experience is divine — you can take a bus, a local train, or a bike, depending which vineyards (called bodegas) you plan to visit. I had a glass most days of the four months I spent in Argentina.

3. Nail Art, Massages, And Learning Motorcycle Culture In Vietnam

Vietnam was a combination of sights, sounds, and smells. Prices were so cheap I simply couldn’t comprehend how I could make it through an entire day spending so little.

One day, a friend treated me to a manicure and pedicure with nail art. I pulled up complex nail art photos on Instagram I liked, thinking they would make a modified version. Instead, my manicurist made a perfect, highly detailed copy of the designs I showed her. In fact, they looked better on my nails than they did on Instagram. The whole process took her two hours, and cost $20 USD. It remains the most incredible manicure and pedicure I’ve ever had.

When I look back at my time in Vietnam, I still can’t believe I managed to cross a street, ever. And yet, somehow, I found the rhythm of the motorbikes and survived. Looking at my photos, I’m amazed that entire families rode their motorbikes together. The motorbike seemed to be a mode of transportation as well as a way families spent time together. One of my favorite photos is of a woman kissing her son as she drives along.

Who doesn’t love a massage? How about a really excellent, hour-long massage for less than $10? I got a few massages a week, they were so good and affordable. My favorite massage parlor was in Hanoi.

4. Eating Honey And Red Kiwifruit, Seeking Greenstone, And Learning About Maori Culture In New Zealand

Now marooned in New Zealand for almost a year, I’ve had a lot of time to get familiar with the culture. I’ve had a few surprising lessons on the food front. Firstly, being raised in America, I thought kiwifruit only existed in green. As it turns out, it comes in gold and red as well. The red is the sweetest, and perhaps one of the best, fruits I’ve ever tasted. It is only available during March and April, so you have to time your visit to New Zealand just right! The other surprise for me was honey. When I’ve gotten it at home, it crystallizes long before I finish a jar. In New Zealand, I’ve learned to use honey almost every day. Whether that be in my tea, on toast, plain, or as a skin remedy, I’ve gone through many jars.

When I first arrived, I noticed all the stores sold jewelry made out of a green stone. I learned it’s called pounamu and is found on the South Island. While, at first, it seemed like a tourist souvenir, it now seems like a rite of passage. I had no idea the greenstone came in so many shapes, colors, hues, and varieties. I’ve already bought two pieces because they represent a deeper connection to the country for me, and my time here, which I will never forget.

I didn’t realize the movie  Moana  was based on this area of the world. Locals I’ve spoken with believe the fictional Polynesian island of Motunui is based on New Zealand, since the story is partly based on Maori legends. Looking at the landscapes, I can certainly believe a demigod pulled mountains out of the sea!

The indigenous people came here via the sea, as Moana’s community did in the film, and their history and culture are fascinating. This is the first country I’ve been to where tattoos signify family and tradition and are specific to the tribe each person descended from. In fact, the Maori tattoo artists have to study the designs of over 100 tribes to do their job properly.

5. Playing With Highland Cows And Getting Heathergems In Scotland

If you’ve read any of my other articles, you may know that I love cows! I have to admit that the Highland cow stole my heart. With a crop of hair over their eyes leaving one to wonder how they see past it, and babies that look like giant blobs of fur, it’s impossible not to fall in love with them.

Scotland is also known for my namesake growing on hills. I’ve seen the Heather plant, but what’s wonderful in Scotland is that a company found a technique to color the roots of the Heather plants and make beautiful jewelry. Heathergems is located in Pitlochry, Scotland, where you can visit the factory store, but their jewelry is available throughout the country. I still treasure the pieces I bought there.

6. Seeing The Moai On Easter Island

Easter Island struck me as one of those places most people see photos of but don’t actually go. It’s a tiny island, a four-hour flight from Santiago, Chile, and seems so remote and impossible to get to from the U.S. that I’m sure I wouldn’t have gone if I didn’t quit my job. On my way to Santiago, I found a round-trip flight on a Dreamliner for less than $300 USD. I snapped it up and had an incredible experience.

The island is expensive and touristy, but no matter, there are layers of intrigue to it. Most people stay only a few days, but I stayed almost a week, giving me more time to see the stone statues, called Moai, and learn about the island’s history and people. Seeing the Moai in person, you really understand how huge they are — and that they weigh a lot. Therein lies the intrigue. They were built long before we had the modern technology to move them (and it’s still not easy, proven by the tsunami that knocked many down in the 1960s). All the statues were built in the one quarry on the island and then moved to their current resting places. But at the time they were built, there were warring tribes inhabiting the island. So not only did the statues get moved, they got transported safely. The mystery will make you believe in aliens.

7. Learning Monks Aren’t That Different Than The Rest Of Us In Cambodia

While in Asia, especially in Cambodia, I developed a minor obsession with the monks. I loved the orange color of the robes most of them wear, and the energy they carry with them as they walk. Even the young boys with shaved heads seem somehow dignified and full of purpose. Their robes provide a beautiful contrast to the aging stone of the temples they live in.

For me, it was the contrast of holy and normal life blending together that really fascinated me. Seeing a monk shop for groceries like any non-holy person was humbling. For a moment, we had something in common. I had some silly idea that monks still led more sequestered lives, so seeing them smoke cigarettes and use smartphones was a real surprise! I enjoyed their presence everywhere I went.

There are so many beautiful experiences to be had in every country. I feel lucky and blessed to have had these, and know many more await me!

Inspired? Here are the destinations mentioned in this article:

• South Africa
• New Zealand
• Easter Island

Heather is a full-time travel coach who is passionate about helping professionals seeking more freedom and flexibility to ditch their desk and discover their destiny through full-time travel. She provides her clients with the path to the mindset, money, and mastery to make a full-time travel lifestyle possible. Since quitting, she's become an international best-selling author and is about to do her first TEDx talk! Learn more about Heather's travel adventures on her website, Heather Begins.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Destinations

This Is the No. 1 Travel Experience in the U.S., According to Tripadvisor

A Hawaiian tour and Alaska whale-watching adventure top this year’s Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards for top overall U.S. experiences.

Stephen Frink/Getty Images

These days, travelers are going the distance for memorable experiences. Case in point: the top two overall experiences in America for this year’s Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Awards' Best of the Best Things to Do are both outside of the continental U.S. 

The No. 1 spot went to Hawaii’s Grand Circle Island and Haleiwa Tour , a 9-hour tour run by Royal Star Hawaii Deluxe Tours . It starts in Honolulu and passes by Diamond Head and Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve . Along the way, it stops at iconic spots: the natural wonder of Halona Blow Hole , the scenic viewpoint of Nu’uanu Pali , the Japanese Byodo-In Temple , a macadamia nut farm, the Dole pineapple plantation , and the historic surf town of Hale'iwa .

Tripadvisor users — 8,477 of them who have rated the tour the top score of 5 — raved that it’s a “must do when visiting the island of Oahu,” calling it a “fun ride.” Many reviewers rave about the guides being “so very nice," "very knowledgeable about the island,” and simply “great all the time.” 

Greg Vaughn/VW PICS/Getty Images

The runner-up spot was also outside of the Lower 48, going to Alaska’s Juneau Wildlife Whale Watching — a 3.5-hour adventure operated by Alaska Tales . The trip starts at Juneau’s Mount Roberts Tramway and heads out past Mendenhall Glacier to the Auke Bay Harbor for two hours on the water to spot the majestic marine mammals. With 2,696 5-star ratings, one Tripadvisor reviewer said it “was probably the best experience of our entire trip” and on her “bucket list to revisit.”

Jarrod Erbe/Getty Images

The rest of the list was rounded out by a wide range of experiences, including the History and Hauntings of Salem Guided Walking Tour in Massachusetts, Party Bike in Old Town Scottsdale in Arizona, Niagara Falls American-Side Tour with Maid of the Mist Boat Ride in New York, Xtreme Parasail in Honolulu in Hawaii, Deluxe USS Arizona Memorial and Historical City Tour in Hawaii, Swim with Manatees in Florida, Fairbanks Snowmobile Adventure from North Pole in Alaska, and The Official Hollywood Sign Walking Tour in Los Angeles. (The latter is just in time for the 100th anniversary of the iconic California landmark.)

Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Getty Images

“In the past year, we have seen a notable uptick in travel to cities, and taking a historical tour is one of the most popular things to do in these destinations,” Kate Urquhart, Tripadvisor’s general manager of experiences, told Travel + Leisure . 

She added that beach and outdoor destinations have continued to be coveted since the beginning of the pandemic: “In these destinations, there are many adventure- and wildlife-oriented experiences that travelers feel make their trips more exciting and unique.”

JanetLa/Getty Images

Urquhart herself has experienced the skyrocketing demand for these activities, as she tried to book the History and Haunting of Salem Walking Tour last year during a Massachusetts visit. But she wasn’t able to snag a spot since it was booked for several weeks straight. “Ultimately, I navigated the town on my own, but next time, I am buying tickets early!” she said. 

With more than 300,000 bookable activities on Tripadvisor’s site, this set was awarded this year’s top 10 in the U.S. after the company looked at reviews over a 12-month period, noting experiences with a large volume of top reviews. Additionally, each winner had to pass Tripadvisor's “rigorous trust and safety standards,” with less than one percent of the site’s 8 million listings getting the "Best of the Best" label.

“These experiences are backed by real travelers with real unfiltered reviews,” Urquhart said. “ From spooky adventures to snorkeling excursions to city tours, travelers are gravitating to a new and diverse set of experiences with the goal of creating lifetime memories.” 

19 Inspiring Travel Experience Stories About Life-Changing Trips

Love inspiring travel experience stories ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Grab a snack and your favorite beverage and get ready to settle in, as you’re about to read some truly inspiring travel stories about life-changing trips.

In this roundup, some of my favorite bloggers share their best travel stories.

You’ll hear about travelers embarking on sacred pilgrimages, growing after a first solo female travel trip, deeply connecting with locals on the road, and getting out of their comfort zones in ways that completely alter the course of their life.

And if you’re looking for a unique travel experience, you’ll likely find it in the short stories about travel below.

Table of Contents

Free Travel Resources

But first…

Make sure to grab free access to my #BeyondTheGuidebook Travel Resource Library:

Want to take the hassle out of trip planning?

Enter your name + email below to subscribe and snag access to my FREE Ultimate Travel Planning Resource Library, full of trip planners, cheat sheets, packing lists, Google Map itineraries + more! //  Privacy Policy . 

Woohoo! You’re officially a member of the Jessie on a Journey community. 

Make sure to also connect with me  on Instagram ,  on YouTube , and  on Facebook  to start traveling #BeyondTheGuidebook.

I regularly share about solo female travel, New York City, lesser-known destinations, unique experiences, active adventures, and how to turn your passion for exploring the world into a profitable business through travel blogging.

Click here to head back to the travel blog .

There is so much included!

Plus, I’m constantly adding new resources, guides, and personality quizzes to help you travel beyond the guidebook!

On that note, let’s dive into the inspiring travel stories .

1. Travel Experience Stories In South America

My travel story takes place in South America, back when I used to travel solo for months at a time.

I was in my mid-20s, and even though I’d backpacked Europe, Southeast Asia, and China and had studied abroad in Australia, the mix of intense excitement and nerves I had leading up to my South America backpacking trip was different.

And despite family and friends warning me that South America wasn’t a place for a solo female traveler , it ended up being my best trip ever.

There are so many interesting short travel stories and unforgettable travel experiences woven into this trip, like:

• Getting invited to have dinner with my Brazilian plane seatmate and her grandma
• Having a group of complete strangers on Couchsurfing take me out for dinner and dancing on my birthday in Mendoza
• Attending a small house party in Argentina and learning about the tradition of mate
• Getting stuck on a broken-down bus and having an impromptu language exchange with an elderly woman in Peru
• Having a love interest back home break up with me via text, and then experiencing the kindness of strangers as a woman in my hostel who I barely knew treated me to ice cream to cheer me up
• Having a romance with a hostel mate in Ecuador and then traveling through the country together
• Living in a giant treehouse with a group of strangers during a solo trip in Brazil and spending our days exploring hiking trails and swimming and our nights drinking and exchanging stories about traveling
• Taking a 4×4 from Chile to Bolivia across the Siloli Desert to see otherwordly sites like rainbow lagoons and train graveyards in the middle of nowhere
• Experiencing some of the world’s most incredible natural wonders, like Iguazu Falls, Torres del Paine, the Amazon River, Uyuni Salt Flats, and Perito Moreno Glacier

At times the trip was also challenging, from dealing with long bus rides and car sickness to flipping over my bicycle handlebars in Peru and getting my body (and ego) badly bruised.

But, I was okay.

In fact, I was more than okay, as the trip showed me how independent I could be and what I was truly capable of. It also showed me the beauty of immersing yourself in cultures different than your own and connecting with locals who want to share them with you.

Years later, when people ask what my best travel experience has been this is the trip that comes to mind.

-Jessie from Jessie on a Journey

2. Traveling With An Open Mind

Many people think of travel as an experience and rightly so. Sometimes, however, you cannot choose the places you travel to.

This happened to me in 2019.

My husband found himself posted in Brunei for work.

Three months pregnant meant that I had a choice:

Either stay with him in Brunei for three months before returning back to India or remain in India, alone.

I chose the former. Not because of my love for the country but because I wanted to be close to him.

Brunei had never held any appeal to me. Whatever research that I pulled off the Internet showed me nothing other than one beautiful mosque.

The flights in and out of the country were expensive so traveling frequently out was not an option either.

I was engulfed by a sense of being trapped in a remote place.

Needless to say, I reached Brunei in a pretty foul mood. I think one of the things that struck me the most even in the midst of that bad mood was the large swaths of greenery that surrounded us.

Mind you, we were not staying in the big city but as far away on the outskirts as you could imagine. I’m not a city girl by any stretch and the greenery eventually soothed my nerves.

It took a week, but I soon found myself interacting with people around me. Fellow expats and locals all went out of their way to make me feel comfortable.

The more comfortable I felt, the more we explored. We trekked (yes, while pregnant!), we joined the board game community, and we enjoyed the local cuisine.

Three months later when it was time to leave, I found myself reluctant to say goodbye to the warmth of the country I had called home for a short while.

I think that my time in Brunei taught me a valuable lesson:

Don’t judge a place by what others say or a lack of information.

Sure, you may not always like what you see, but there will always be something that you will like. You just need to look hard enough to find it!

-Penny from GlobeTrove

3. From Half-Day Hiker To Walking Holiday Enthusiast

I’ve always enjoyed walking but never in a million years did I imagine I’d end up walking over 200 kilometers (~124 miles) in 10 days, become a fan of walking holidays, and end up developing self-guided hiking routes in Portugal with a local tour operator as part of my business.

The shift from being someone who was content with an easy three-hour walk to an experienced multi-day hiker began with a brief taste of the Portuguese Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrim trail through Portugal to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Spain.

Back in 2013 I did a guided one-day hike along one of the most beautiful stretches of the Camino, north of Ponte de Lima. It’s also one of the most challenging sections so it was hard work, but the views from the top of Labruja Mountain made the climb worthwhile.

My guides were so enthusiastic about the thrill of arriving at Santiago de Compostela Cathedral after the challenges of day after day on the Camino that I began to think I might want to give it a go, despite not being religious.

Fast forward a few years and I set off from Barcelos with a friend of mine to follow the Portuguese Camino de Santiago.

Apart from suffering from chronic back pain, I thought I was quite fit but nothing had prepared me for how utterly exhausted I would feel at the end of each walking day.

This was truly a slow travel experience, as we were averaging about 20 kilometers (~12 miles) per day and by the time we reached our hotel, I would barely have enough energy to get cleaned up and find food before collapsing. I had envisioned plenty of sightseeing but that ended up being minimal.

Quickly, I realized the moral of this unique travel experience:

The Camino was all about making the most of the journey rather than the destination.

For me, that was quite a shift in thinking as I am usually all about getting to where I want to be as soon as possible so that I can start exploring. It was, perhaps, also my first step on the path towards mindfulness.

I will never forget the sense of achievement and progress at the end of each walking day, and the relief and pride I felt when we finally made it to Santiago de Compostela.

We met people who had walked the Camino several times and I can totally understand how it can become addictive. 

-Julie from Julie Dawn Fox in Portugal

4. A Story About Traveling & Its Ripple Effect

Tucked away in far eastern Indonesia is a tiny archipelago of islands called the Banda Islands.

Apart from world-class snorkeling and some crumbling colonial buildings, the Banda Islands are mostly forgotten and would be described as a backwater by all accounts.

However, the Banda Islands are possibly the main reason that I am who I am today. 

Well, the Bandas are the original Spice Islands.

Nutmeg used to grow on this tiny group of islands alone and nowhere else. The Dutch colonized Indonesia and promptly became the owners of islands where money grew on trees.

The only problem was that Indonesia was so far away that they needed a halfway stop to and from Indonesia.

That’s where my travel experience story comes in.

The same Dutch East India Company that traded in spice set up a halfway station at the foot of Table Mountain to break up their long journey. As a result, my Dutch ancestors arrived in the southernmost point in Africa , and generations later we are still there.

When I visited the Banda Islands, it dawned on me how something happening on the other side of the world can ripple out and affect people on the other side of the planet.

And I’m not the only one!

The spice trade was so important to the Dutch that they even traded a tiny island in the Banda archipelago for a much bigger island…Manhattan.

Yes. That Manhattan.

Before visiting the Banda Islands I never really knew about this part of my history.

Along with the spice that the ships carried back to Amsterdam, it also carried slaves. These slaves, more often than not, ended up in Cape Town.

Just like my European ancestors, they too became a part of Africa and added another shade to our beautiful Rainbow Nation.

It was in the Banda Islands that I realized how much of my culture, food, stories and even words in my mother tongue, Afrikaans, actually originated in Indonesia.

Because of these tiny islands, I am a true mix of Europe, Africa, and Asia. While I always thought I knew how all things in life are somehow connected, I didn’t really grasp it until my visit to Indonesia.

This could have been a resort travel experience story, as I went to Indonesia to swim and snorkel and relax on the world’s best beaches. And while I did get to do that, I also learned a lot about who I am as a person, my people, and my country…on another continent. 

My visit to the Bandas has sparked a fascination with Indonesia, which I have visited seven times since. I’m already planning another trip to this spectacular country!

-De Wet from Museum of Wander

5. Awakening My Spirit In A Costa Rican Cloud Forest

In February 2017, I was just coming out of a decade of mysterious chronic illness that had shrunk my world.

And one of the things that finally helped me to resurface during the previous year was an online Qi Gong course I stumbled upon: 

Flowing Zen .

To the casual observer, Qi Gong looks a lot like its better-known cousin, Tai Chi — the ancient art of moving meditation — but it’s actually energy medicine for healing.

In fact, it’s commonly used in Chinese hospitals.

My daily practice that year made such a difference for me that I dangled a reward for myself:

If I stuck with it all year, then I’d head to Sifu Anthony’s annual retreat in a cloud forest in Costa Rica the following February.

And I did! It was my first trip out of the country for more than a decade.

Just like that, I booked a solo trip — something I hadn’t done since I was an exchange student to Europe 30 years earlier — to San Jose where I met up with a dozen strangers and Sifu Anthony, our Qi Gong master.

We boarded a tiny bus and rode up, up, up around carsick-inducing curvy mountain roads into a magical cloud forest jungle where we finally arrived at The Blue Mountain (“La Montana Azul”) for a weeklong Qi Gong retreat. 

There were no Internet or distractions here — just delicious organic vegetarian meals made with love and shared with the community under a gorgeous open-air palapa.

There were also colorful tropical birds singing in the jungle, as well as the largest arachnid I’ve ever seen in my gorgeous (but also roofless) room for a little extra adventure.

I’d felt a little energy movement during my year of online practice, but during that week on The Blue Mountain, my body began to really buzz with Qi — life force energy — as I Lifted the Sky, stood in Wuji Stance, and practiced Shooting Arrows.

I felt electrified and joyful. 

And that was when everything changed for me.

At home, I had a successful career as a freelance writer, but I decided during my week in the cloud forest that I wanted more from life.

I wanted to explore the beauty, diversity, nature, and culture in every corner of the world.

And I wanted to share this intoxicating joyful feeling of life-giving freedom and adventure with anyone who wanted to come along for the ride.

Shortly after that, at age 53, I launched my travel blog.

Dreams really do come true. They are just waiting for you to claim them.

-Chris from Explore Now or Never

Enter your name + email below to subscribe and snag access to my FREE Ultimate Travel Planning Resource Library, full of trip planners, cheat sheets, packing lists, personality quizzes, travel guides, Google Map itineraries + more! //  Privacy Policy . 

6. From Rome With Love

This wasn’t the way I wanted to see Rome. 

Sure, I was happy to spend Christmas in Rome and stand in awe of the city’s many iconic attractions. But, life wasn’t meant to turn out like this.

I was supposed to go to Rome with my mom back in 2012; however, life had different plans, because a week before our trip, I got a double kidney infection. A condition that required a week of hospitalization.

Although I was annoyed I had missed my trip, it wasn’t the end of the world since I was fine and everything seemed okay…until my mom developed a cough.

A cough that later became a heartbreaking diagnosis of stage four ovarian cancer. 

My mom spent the final months of her life in chemo, desperately trying to fight a horrific disease so that she wouldn’t let her family down.

And she didn’t.

Instead, she showed us how to never give up on life, even if it was a losing battle. 

So, when she eventually passed away, I booked a trip to Rome. 

Sure, it wasn’t the trip I had hoped for. But, I knew that as her daughter, it was my job to live enough for the both of us. 

And that’s exactly what I did.

Was I an anxious, sad, angry mess of a person?

Absolutely. I was still getting used to a world that my mother wasn’t a part of. 

And honestly, you never get used to that world. You just deal with it because you don’t really have a choice.

But I also knew that I wanted my mom to live on through me and that I didn’t want to live a life where the haunting phrases “should of,” “could of,” and “would have” swirled through my head and ate away at my happiness.

So, I went. I packed a boatload of tissues, sobbed my heart out, and attended Christmas mass at the Vatican. 

I also threw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, walked through the Colosseum, chowed down on gelato, and spent two weeks doing all the things my mom and I had wanted to do. 

And that’s when it hit me. I had never gone to Rome alone because my mom had always been there with me. Maybe she wasn’t physically there, but I thought of her and felt her presence every minute of every day. 

Her presence also reminded me that life isn’t about the things we buy or the money that we have.

It’s about making memories with the people we love; people that never really leave us since they are constantly influencing our lives in countless ways.

And after my trip to Rome, I finally knew that my mom would always be there because she had forever changed my life in the best possible way. 

-Kelly from Girl with the Passport

7. Studying In Finland

One of my major life-turning points happened during my exchange studies in Finland.

Until then, I was studying at a university in Prague, had a part-time job at a renowned management-consulting firm, and thought I was on the right path in life.

At the University of Economics where I studied it was notoriously difficult to get on an Erasmus exchange trip abroad since the demand was huge. Everyone wanted to go!

Regardless, I decided to sign up early for my last semester, just to see what the process was like to be better prepared for applying again in a year.

I did make it through all the three rounds and surprisingly got a spot at a University in Turku, Finland! I was ecstatic. The success brought its own challenges, but once you set your eyes on the goal, nothing can stop you.

And I had the time of my life in Finland.

I met the most amazing people, traveled a ton, partied a lot, and bonded with friends from all over the world.

Given I was one of the few people there who really needed to pass all her courses and additionally write her thesis, I managed to run on an impossible sleep schedule of four hours per night. But I made it!

My studies in Finland opened up my horizons, too.

The summer after, I wrapped up my life in Prague and went on to study in Germany and China . The whole time I traveled as much as possible, often going on solo adventures. It was only a matter of time when I’d start my own travel blog.

My Finland adventure led me to a life of freedom made up of remote work, travel blogging , and plenty of traveling. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. And it gave me one of my favorite true adventure stories that I can now share with others.

-Veronika from Travel Geekery

8. How Cuba Changed My Life

One of my favorite inspiring stories about travel takes place in Cuba.

I visited Cuba in February 2013 and it changed my life — and I like to think it did so for the better.

Interestingly, I expected a completely different country and was compelled to write about it when I got back home.

But let me tell you more.

I read copious amounts of blogs and travel diaries to prepare myself for the trip to Cuba so I thought I’d go in with a fairly good idea of what to expect. Each and every post I read spoke of marvelous landscapes, pristine beaches, crumbling but charming cities, and welcoming locals.

All of it was true, in my experience — except for the locals.

I didn’t find them so welcoming. At least, not genuinely so. They only seemed to welcome me as far as they could get something in exchange: money, clothes, pens, soap, you name it. 

Each and every day in Cuba was a challenge to avoid the scams, to avoid being ripped off, to fight off each and every attempt of people trying to take advantage of me. I usually managed, but it was exhausting and it left a sour taste in my mouth.

Once I got back home I felt the urge to write about my experience — not for other sites or papers as I’d often do. This time I was afraid I’d be censored.

So I opened my own blog. With zero tech knowledge, zero understanding of online content creation and SEO, I started writing and telling people what they should really expect during a trip to Cuba.

I’d put up the occasional post, but continued with my usual job.

At the end of the year, my contract as a researcher in international human rights law at the local university ended, and I decided to stop pursuing that career for a while.

I packed my bags and left for a long-term trip to Central and South America . I started writing on the blog more consistently and learning, and eventually took my blog full-time , turning it into a career.

As of today, I have never looked back and have no regrets.

The one thing I’ll do, as soon as I can, is travel to Cuba to say thank you — because it changed my life in a way nothing else has ever done. 

-Claudia from Strictly Sardinia

9. A Short Travel Story About Finding Inner Peace In Patagonia

Life in London is hard.

Life in London as a gay single brown refugee is harder.

Juggling between work, my passion for traveling, and the prejudices that I dealt with on a daily basis eventually took their toll on me and I reached a breaking point.

The fact that I couldn’t return home to see my family and being away for them for almost nine years was enough to hammer in the final nail in the coffin.

I almost had a nervous breakdown and in that moment of desperation, which I knew would define the rest of my life, I took a month off and headed to Patagonia.

It was probably the best decision I’ve ever made in my life. The 36 hours it took me to get to El Chalten from London were tiring but Patagonia blew me away.

On my first day there I did a 28-kilometer (17-mile) hike which included a steep mountain climb. It was incredible how moving through the forest helped me clear my mind. And as I stood in front of Laguna de Los Tres, the rain and clouds gave way to sunshine and a rainbow.

I felt at peace.

The countless hikes, great food, and the warmth of locals in Chile and Argentina helped me get back in my skin and find the peace I was missing in my heart.

Nature is indeed the best medicine when it comes to stress relief and I won’t be coy about hugging trees to speed up the process (it did).

Patagonia was life-changing for me.

The beauty of nature struck me at each point and every time I thought it wasn’t possible to beat the view, the next one did just that.

I came back a changed, resilient, and most importantly, a happy person.

-Ucman from BrownBoyTravels

10. Looking Inwards & Making Connections With Strangers

It was decades before I traveled solo for the first time in my life.

This trip — a six-day escape to Colorado — was the first trip that was not for business or family reasons but just to travel and discover.

As I prepared for it, I had a strange feeling of excitement and nerves at the same time. I had all sorts of thoughts and doubts:

Would it be fun?

Would I be bored?

Would I stay in bed all day or would I bounce with excitement to do the next thing?

I wasn’t sure. Little did I know that it was going to be a memorable journey of self-discovery. 

As a good wife and mom, for me travel is always about the family; always thinking of who would enjoy what. It’s about family time and bonding. It’s about creating memories and travel stories together. It’s all so wonderful.

But on a solo trip who would I connect with? What would I say?

Well, I found that I got to do anything I wanted!

Usually when I travel with my family, if I feel like going on a drive that’s not on the itinerary or getting a snack no one else is interested in, we simply don’t do that.

So it was weird to just go do it. Really, that’s a thing?

As for making connections, it was so easy to meet locals while traveling and also to connect with other travelers. Honestly, I had conversations everywhere — on planes, while hiking, in restaurants, in the hotel lobby.

It was quite an eye-opening experience to meet a mom of 18 kids and hundreds of foster kids, a cookie baker, a professional photographer, a family of Fourteener hikers, and an internationally ranked marathon runner.

The inspiring stories I discovered were amazing and nothing like my wonderful safe life at home. 

In terms of travel safety , I got to go rock climbing, solo hiking, driving up a Fourteener, eating alone.

And it was all fine. Actually, it felt surprisingly normal.

It was was just me, my SUV, and my backpack for a week. Most of all, it was a breath of fresh air that I didn’t know existed. 

It’s wonderful to be back home and know that possibilities are endless and there is so much more out there to explore and be wowed by!

-Jyoti from Story At Every Corner

11. A Solo Hike To Find Connection

I have traveled solo many times, but I admit I was a bit uneasy booking my trip to Colombia . In part, due to the country’s dark past. But also because I desperately wanted to do the Cocora Valley hike, and if I’m honest, I was terrified.

This hike is located in the Coffee Triangle, an area recognized for its beauty as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features both rainforest and a stunning green valley speckled with cartoonishly-tall wax palms rising 200 feet or more.

It’s incredibly beautiful.

It’s also a long hike and quite challenging — it generally takes between six and eight hours and there is a steep area with over 3,000 feet of elevation within a quarter of a mile.

I wasn’t in hiking shape, so I was a little concerned. But, worst of all for me were the seven dodgy-looking suspension bridges. 

I’m terrified of heights.

And, I’d be going alone.

I decided to go anyway and I met an incredible woman on the bus to Salento, the town near Cocora. She was also traveling solo and we agreed to hike together.

The town is a backpacker enclave and we met up with a small group of people all traveling solo. As the days passed, our group got larger and it was such a magical experience.

As much as I love city travel, this small town won my heart.

My new friend and I set off on the hike and met two other women who were nervous to do the hike. We all went together.

When we got to the first suspension bridge, I paused. I was embarrassed to admit my fear, but the bridge swayed widely and there was nowhere to hold onto.

When they realized how out of my comfort zone I was and how scared I felt, everything changed. Instead of me dealing with it alone, they were all there to encourage me.

One crossed the bridge to encourage me from the other side and they stayed off of it to limit the sway. Crazy enough, I not only crossed the seven suspension bridges, but I also crossed one an extra time when we went the wrong way on the trail.

I did it! 

I was prepared to be blown away by Cocora Valley’s beauty, but what I wasn’t expecting was what a life-changing travel experience my time there would be.

 -Sam from My Flying Leap

12. How A Pet Sitting Travel Experience Led To A Passionate Career

We wanted to go to the Caribbean but didn’t know much about the islands or how we were going to afford it.

By chance, a friend of ours in Australia mentioned “pet sitting” and that it is something you can do all over the world.

We quickly created an account on a pet sitting website and began searching for options. There were only a couple of sits available in that part of the world, but we tried our luck, sent a request, and to our surprise landed a three-month gig in a beautiful house in the US Virgin Islands — with an infinity pool overlooking the British Virgin Islands.

A month into our sit, we had explored the destination pretty well and so had a lot of time on our hands. We managed to secure another sit in Grenada, so our year was going to be taken up with Caribbean pet sits.

Inspired by a Canadian couple that had previously stayed at our Grenada housesit, we decided to start our own travel blog. We began by writing about The Virgin Islands, highlighting the beautiful beaches and funky bars.

But for every photo of a beautiful beach there were 10 photos of trash.     

It was hard to ignore the plastic pollution issue, especially on such pristine and remote beaches.  So, we began to share photos of the trash we saw and how much we could pick up on our daily dog walks.

The more we looked into plastic pollution, the more we realized the severity of the global plastic pandemic. From that point, we used our platform to create awareness and highlight ways to say no to plastic and travel plastic-free .

We changed our daily routines, our way of living, and even our diets to accommodate more organic foods and little to no plastic packaging.

It’s been over three years now and we continue to do what we can. This journey has led us to some amazing places, working with great conscious brands and even organizing a country-wide beach clean-up campaign in Grenada.

Our aim now is to keep on going.

We love connecting with like-minded people and love the shift over the last few years that brands have made towards creating more sustainable products and services.

It’s been an amazing few years that was sparked by a conversation about pet sitting. Who would have guessed?

-Aaron & Vivien from The Dharma Trails

13. Learning To Slow Down The Hard Way

On Christmas of 2017, I was born again.

We like to spend our Christmas holidays somewhere warm abroad, and that year we chose Uganda.

Nature, wildlife, and sunny days were a blessing when it was so cold and dark in Europe. Life was beautiful, and we had a rental car and a busy schedule ahead to explore the country.

This is where this short travel story turns into one of my more scary travel experiences :

At Murchinson Falls National Park, we had a car accident.

I lost control of the car, and it rolled over, destroying windows, chassis, and engine.

But we were alive! My right arm was severely injured, but we managed to walk to our lodge, not far inside the park.

In the lodge, I was happy to learn that there was a pretty decent American hospital in Masindi that was just a one-hour drive from the lodge. Moreover, one of the lodge’s guests was a nurse who cleaned the wound while we were waiting for the taxi from/to Masindi.

The hospital took care of us, and after a couple of injections and stitches, I was ready to head to our new hotel in Masindi; however, my wound required daily dressing and more injections, so we were asked to stay in town for a few days.   

Masindi is the kind of place where you may want to stop to buy some food or water, but that’s it.

The town’s highlights were the market and our daily visit to the hospital, so we ended up looking for the small things, chatting with the medical staff, the hotel staff, the people in the market, and learning more about their customs.

We learned to slow down the hard way.

When we were allowed to leave, we took a road trip south through the country to see something else. We did not care about our travel bucket list anymore — we were alive, and we wanted to enjoy Uganda’s unique nature and its people. 

In the end, our Uganda trip was not about the places that we saw, but the people that we met. It was travel for experience vs sightseeing.

I hope to revisit Uganda one day, with a stop at Masindi for some food, water, and maybe something else.

-Elisa from World in Paris

14. A Cycling Trip To Remember

During the summer of 2019, I cycled solo from London to Istanbul. This huge bicycle tour took me 89 days and through 11 countries.

As you might expect, it was a challenging yet incredible journey, which saw me pedal along some of Europe’s greatest rivers, pass through some of its best cities, and witness some of its most beautiful scenery.

It’s becoming more and more important for us to think about the impact that travel can have on our environment. This was the inspiration for my bicycle tour; I wanted to find more responsible ways to explore the world and avoid flights where possible.

I discovered that bicycle touring is one of the most eco-friendly ways to travel, as using nothing but a bicycle and your own pedal power you can carry everything you need while covering surprising distances each day.

The simplicity of life and the sheer amount of time I spent cycling alone gave me a lot of time to just think . This really helped me to come to terms with some personal problems rooted in my past and, as a result, I arrived solo in Istanbul with newly found confidence, independence, and liberation. 

Cycling across the entire European continent may seem like an impossibly daunting task, but I assure you, it will make you feel like a new person, just like it did for me.

-Lauren from The Planet Edit

15. How The Caribbean Shaped Me Into A Fully Sustainable Traveler

One of my first international trips as an adult was traveling around the Caribbean .

I checked into my hotel in Jamaica and asked for a recommendation for a local place to eat. The receptionist told me that under no circumstances should I should go into the town because it was really dangerous, but that — to my luck — the hotel’s restaurant offered wonderful Caribbean food.

I pondered my options:

Did I really want to spend all my time on the beach without getting to know a single local?

I was a very inexperienced traveler and very young, but there was only one answer to my question:

Absolutely not. I was not going to be visiting a new place and staying hostage in a hotel chain. So out I went.

The poverty hit me in the face. After only seeing fancy resorts, the reality was hard to swallow.

A few locals approached me and were super curious as to what I was doing there alone, since most tourists didn’t go there.

I told them I was interested in meeting them and experiencing their culture. And just like that, I was embraced.

We met more people, had some food, and then we danced the night away. They had so little, yet they wanted to share it with me. They wanted to make me feel welcome.

And they undeniably did.

The next morning all I could think about was how all the money most tourists spend goes to big corporations. The locals have to be thankful if they get a job that pays minimum wage, while foreign businesses earn millions.

I have always been environmentally conscious, but this trip made it clear that sustainability goes well beyond nature and wildlife.

It’s also about communities.

From then on I always look for locally owned accommodation, eateries, guides, and souvenirs.

Sustainability, with everything it entails, became a motto for me and changed the very essence of the way I travel.

-Coni from  Experiencing the Globe

16. Lessons From My Students In Peru

One of the most life-changing trips I’ve ever been on was a volunteering experience in the stunning city of Cuzco in Peru.

I spent a month there teaching English and Italian to a group of local adults. And even though my time there was short, the travel experience was so humbling that it changed my outlook on life.

My lessons took the form of active conversations, which essentially turned into a massive multilingual cultural exchange between me and my students. Hearing my students talk about their lives — and realizing just how different they were from mine — made me look at my own life with a fresh new perspective.

One person spoke about the three years he spent living in a jungle with his dad, where they fed off of animals they hunted in order to survive.

Another student told me about her ultimate dream of mastering English so that she could become a tour guide and have a more stable future.

For me, these stories were a reminder of just how small I am in this world and how much we can get consumed by the small bubbles we live in. 

Most of all, my students showed a passion and appreciation for life that I’d never witnessed before.

This is true for the locals I met in Cuzco in general. The quality of life in Cuzco is very modest; hot water is scarce and you learn to live with little.

But the locals there do way more than just that — they spontaneously parade the streets with trumpets and drums just because they’re feeling happy, and their energy for the simple things in life is incredibly contagious.

It was impossible to not feel inspired in Cuzco because my students always had the biggest smiles on their faces, and the locals showed me again and again that simply being alive is a blessing.

I went to Peru to teach, but ended up learning more from my students and the locals there than they did from me.

Ever since I got back from that trip, I made it a goal to slow down and not take the simple things in life for granted.

Every time I get upset about something, I think about the Peruvians in Cuzco parading their streets in song and pure joy, and I tell myself to stop complaining.

-Jiayi from  The Diary of a Nomad

17. Braving Travel With Chronic Pain

Santiago de Compostela is a beautiful city with a prominent cathedral positioned centrally within the city.

While the historical cathedral attracts numerous visitors, even more well-known is the route to Santiago de Compostela, Camino de Santiago –- the world-famous pilgrimage route that has a plethora of trailheads and ends in Santiago. 

Home to locals, students, English teachers, and those on a spiritual pilgrimage, personal conquest, or a great outdoor hiking excursion, Santiago is a magical city.

My introduction to Santiago de Compostela doesn’t begin on the pilgrimage route, yet ends with a spiritual awakening analogous with those other unique pilgrimage stories.

It was my first solo trip abroad teaching English in Spain, a country that’s always been on my travel bucket list. A small town outside of Santiago was selected as the school I’d be teaching at for the year.

Unknowingly, this teach abroad program chose the perfect city for me to live in. 

A year prior, I suffered a traumatic brain injury that left me unable to function normally and complete average tasks. Migraines, headaches, and dizziness became my body’s normal temperament, a hidden disability invisible to the naked eye. 

Braving travel with chronic pain was the first lesson I learned during the trip.

The vast green outdoors and fresh dew from the morning rain enlivened me daily and reminded me about the importance of slowing down so I could enjoy traveling with my hidden disability. 

I also learned to stop often for daily tea breaks and to embrace the long lunch hour,  siestas , with good food, company, and a nap to rest.

Meeting locals , indulging in local food, and learning Spanish allowed me to connect deeply with the beautiful culture of Santiago. After all, my dream was to travel to Spain, and I more than accomplished that dream.

Difficult or not, I learned to own my dream and I was more than surprised with the results.

Who knew that a year after my injury I’d be traveling the world with chronic pain, and for that, I’m eternally grateful.

-Ciara from Wellness Travel Diaries

18. A Blessing In Disguise

2020 has been a wild year for all of us and foreign students in China are no exception. As soon as the malevolent virus began to make its rounds in China, our university sent us home for “two weeks.”

However, within a short time, countries began to shut their borders and these “two weeks” turned into months, a full year even.

Crushed by the burden of online lectures and virtual labs, my boyfriend and I packed our bags and caught one of the first flights to his home country of Pakistan.

I had always been an over-ambitious traveler. I believed numbers were everything — the number of countries I visited, the number of hours I spent on a plane, the number of international trips I took in a year. These numbers were what defined me.

My feet were constantly itching and I never liked to spend more than a few days in a place before heading to the next country. Revisiting a place felt superfluous to me.

That’s why I was hoping to spend a month or two in Pakistan and then continue to check new countries off the list — after all, my online classes finally granted me the freedom to “work on my numbers.”

But as is usually the case in 2020, things turned out quite different from what I had expected. Borders remained closed and worldwide infections stayed rampant. At this point, I have already spent nearly half a year in Pakistan.

During this peculiar time, however, an amazing thing happened:

My mindset about travel started to change and I began to look at my long stay in Pakistan as perhaps my most valuable travel experience ever.

I may not have visited dozens of countries like in previous years but my experiences were deeper than ever before.

From trekking to one of the world’s tallest mountains to sharing tea with heavily armed officers at nearly 5,000 meters altitude to exploring hidden beaches in the most secluded regions to spontaneously being invited to village homes, my adventures in Pakistan couldn’t have been more incredible. They opened my eyes to the sheer diversity of many countries and completely transformed my idea about traveling. 

It took me nearly a full year of heavy restrictions on international travel and a few months in one of the world’s most fascinating countries to give up on my superficial ideals and become a more mature traveler.

This time will always have a special place in my heart.

-Arabela from The Spicy Travel Girl

19. What The River Taught Me

My travel story takes place in the summer of 2017 — the final summer before I graduated university — as it continues to play a significant role in the person I’ve become.

When I say that, people ask me if it was the portion of the summer I spent solo backpacking in Europe . And to their surprise, it wasn’t. It was actually the latter portion of the summer where I stayed closer to home.

For July and August I worked as a canoe guide leading whitewater canoe trips on remote rivers in Canada. It was here that I got to canoe the powerful and iconic Missinaibi River, a river that continues to influence me all these years later.

The Missinaibi River flows from the powerful Lake Superior to the even more powerful salty waters of James Bay. Here, I led a group of eight teenagers through dozens of whitewater rapids over 500 kilometers (~311 miles).

With no cell service for 25 days, we were forced to disconnect from anything other than the river.

During this trip I learned two important lessons:

First, I learned to be confident in my own abilities as a leader and problem solver.

There were a few rapids where my campers’ boats flipped and I had to rescue the campers and the canoes. One rescue saw two boats flip on a mile-long rapid. It took six hours to make it down the rapid, and during this time I managed stuck canoes and crying campers.

And while this was one of the most difficult rescues I’ve done, I was amazed at how calm I was throughout it. I gave clear directions, prioritized effectively, and kept my campers safe throughout the entire experience. Following the rescue, I had a newfound sense of confidence in my abilities.

The second lesson I learned on the Missinaibi was the power of disconnecting from society and connecting with the people around you.

A wild river commands all of your attention. Each day, you and your group must take down camp, load canoes, paddle up to eight hours while navigating both rapids and portages, get to a new campsite, set up camp, cook dinner, and go to bed.

And without the distraction of technology, your attention has nowhere else to be. You focus on the river and your teammates.

As someone who had wrestled with anxiety and depression prior to this summer, I felt at total ease on the trip. Now I seek societal disconnection and human connection as much as I can. 

Sometimes the most profound, life-altering trips are the least expected trips closer to home.

-Mikaela of  Voyageur Tripper

More Short Travel Experience Stories

25 Crazy Travel Stories You Need To Read To Believe

23 Inspiring Travel Stories Sharing The Kindness Of Strangers

17 True Short Adventure Travel Stories To Inspire Your Next Trip

38 Inspiring Travel Love Stories From The Road

16 Short Funny Travel Stories That Will Make You Laugh

20 Embarrassing Travel Stories That Will Make You Laugh & Blush

21 Travel Horror Stories About Scary Travel Experiences

Do you have any inspiring travel experience stories about life-changing trips to share?

Enjoyed these inspiring stories about travel? Pin them for later!

Related posts:

Hi, I’m Jessie on a journey!

I'm a conscious solo traveler on a mission to take you beyond the guidebook to inspire you to live your best life through travel. Come join me!

Want to live your best life through travel?

Subscribe for FREE access to my library of fun blogging worksheets and learn how to get paid to travel more!

Turn Your Travel Blog Into A Profitable Business

Subscribe to my email list to snag instant access to my library of workbooks, checklists, tutorials and other resources to help you earn more money -- and have more fun -- blogging. Oh, and it's totally FREE! :) //  Privacy Policy . 

Check your inbox for your welcome email + resource library password!

These stories are so much fun to read! Thanks so much for putting a post like this together. It’s great to be able to check out other people’s blogs and read about other people’s experiences!

Always great to read about travel experiences of others. Some great stories to read over coffee. I’ve Pinned your post for future reference and to share with others. Will check out each story author’s blog as well. Great Job! 🙂

Amazing story for new traveler like me thanks for your contribution

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Life-changing travel experience stories

There’s nothing like other travelers’ tales to get inspiration . When you are home longing to be on the road, or when you are on a journey wondering why you left the comfort of your house, submerge into these life-changing travel experience stories, beautiful tales of how a trip can alter the trajectory of your life .

I’m sure my regular readers are used to me talking about travel experiences . But for those who are discovering this little window to my soul called Experiencing the Globe , you can see that it all started with a bucket list of all the –surprise, surprise– travel experiences I want to have around the world.

The list is my goal in life, so I’m spending as much time as I can on the road. But when I’m home in between trips I seek inspiration in other travelers’ tales. I’ve read as many books about exciting journeys as I could put my hands on. And recently I got a hold of Lonely Planet’s Travel Goals: Inspiring Experiences to Transform Your Life .

It got me thinking of my own life-changing travel experiences . Like my transformation into a sustainable traveler after fully grasping what that meant for the planet and all the life in it. I have a trip to the Caribbean to thank for that. The first trip I took alone, when I was starting to test my boundaries, empowered me as a solo female traveler, and opened my eyes to a new world of possibilities! I’m so thankful I chose Italy , an amazing destination to explore on your own! I reaffirmed my faith in human kindness after spending a month in Iran , meeting the loveliest people I’ve ever encountered.  And the most literal life-changing travel experience, moving to Croatia after meeting the love of my life in this beautiful country that now I call home.

The book also encouraged me to ask other travelers if they had a story in their own travels that changed their lives in one way or another. I was overwhelmed with the beautiful tales… some of the best life-changing stories that’ll inspire you to travel!

Life-changing travel experience stories that’ll inspire you to travel

Collecting memories, not counting countries.

I want to start this series of tales with my own. As I told you, many aspects of my life have changed over the years due to a travel experience, but the one I want to elaborate on is the one that defined what my life would be. Traveling hasn’t changed me, it has made me. It’s who I am. Several trips to the south of Chile showed me where I was going. This is the story of how I became the person I am today:

My parents took me camping to the Chilean Lake District every summer while growing up. This was in the dark age, before the internet. Back then we had to rely on maps and guidebooks. So through the endless hours of our road trips, I kept myself entertained glancing at a map, reading about the small towns we passed, and convincing my folks to take a detour to visit some place that caught my attention.

During one trip I told them that I have decided I wanted to go everywhere in the world. After a few laughs, my dad told me about the Travelers’ Century Club (TCC), a group for people who have visited 100 or more of the world’s countries and territories. My eyes sparkled with the thought of being a member, and I made it my goal.

Obviously, I started asking to go to another country instead of the same National Park we always visited. They laughed again –conscious of the monster they have created– and offered a compromise: they’d take me to our neighbor Argentina, my first trip abroad, but I had to see more of my own country before I embarked on my adventure of visiting another hundred. I happily accepted.

See, what I immediately realized is that –as much as I wanted to be part of the TCC– the main reasons to travel should revolve around what I’ll get out of a trip –whether that’s meeting locals, tasting the typical cuisine, exploring nature, or adventuring into an activity– it shouldn’t be just to count countries . I know the “why you should travel” is super personal, but ticking countries off a list only because you put your feet there feels meaningless to me.

Why do people travel? Well, there are as many reasons as people traveling, but even if it is to get a tan while you’re permanently sipping from a cocktail, that trip will always be part of your story, so you should make the most of it.

After visiting every region in Chile, I started to go abroad. Nowadays, with about 60 countries and territories of the TCC list properly visited, what I knew instinctively, transformed into lessons I learnt during my travels … What inspires me the most to hit the road is experiences, because they feed my adventurous soul –the TCC list (and my own bucket list) became the means to guide my journey, not an end themselves.

Spreading the word about the truth of traveling

Claudia’s life story is remarkably similar to my own. Being avid travelers changed the way we perceive a destination, and the story that should be told about it. We both left behind an academic career and repurposed our research abilities towards travel writing. Now we both blog from a distinct point of view. This is the story of how in a visit to Cuba she found her true calling:

“Cuba changed my life because it was nothing like I had expected it to be –quite the opposite, in fact. You see, being the avid traveler that I am, before my trip to Cuba I spent months reading just about anything I could put my hands on. If it talked about Cuba, I had to read it. Everything made it sound like traveling to Cuba would be easy, and locals would be generous and welcoming.

My time in Cuba was less than fabulous. Don’t get me wrong, it is a gorgeous country and now, a few years later, with much more traveling experience and understanding, I am ready to go again. But back then, it was awful. My 23 days there were a constant challenge to avoid scams –a challenge that a few times saw me succeed but that other times saw me fail miserably. It was frustrating. I felt I could not trust anybody. Where were the lovely Cubans everyone talked about in their blogs?

Cuba taught me that people lie, even (or especially) online. Because nobody really wants to say they have had a bad experience, and nobody is really interested in reading about others’ bad experiences –but is that really the case?

I decided there and then to be different. I decided that I had to warn others, tell them the truth, let them know what they should expect and what they should do to avoid scams. That’s why I opened my blog. It was just a pastime at the beginning.

Fast-forward 2 years and I realized that I did want to make an effort to make it work out. After all, what did I have to lose? My contract as a research fellow at the university had expired and I had no real prospect if not a series of menial short-term teaching jobs I was less than interested in. So, I gave blogging my heart and soul. And it worked. I’m a much happier person now. I love what I am doing. I wake up in the morning to face a long list of to-do things and I read it with a smile on my face, which is priceless.

Cuba changed my life. And despite all the frustration I felt back when I was there, it changed it for the best.”

RELATED POSTS:

• Marrakesh: the good, the bad and the ugly
• Azerbaijan: what I loved and what I hated

Encountering wildlife to find yourself

Camilla was looking for something, but she wasn’t sure what it was. Her heart lead her to India , and after that trip her life would never be the same. Animals can have different impacts in our life, but for this former vegan chef, one particular big cat meant more than anything. This is her story:

“January 2017. That’s the date I first arrived in India. By that time, I used to work as a freelance vegan chef in the hustling city of Paris. Having attended a 4-weeks course on yoga and Ayurveda, I had planned to spend the following month exploring this amazing country.

Little did I know that a special encounter would change my life forever.

Always an animal lover, over the years I had developed a passion for the most majestic of big cats: the tiger. The striped animal had somehow summoned me. To what reason and to convey what message I do not know, but to such a call one can hardly resist.

India is home to more than 60% of the world’s remaining wild tigers. The critically endangered species is highly protected, and the country has given to many of its national parks the status of Tiger Reserve.

It was time for me to see my first one in the wild.

With zero safari experience and many hours of research, I booked 4 drives in Ranthambhore, one of India’s most famous Tiger Reserves .

I will always remember the excitement before that first drive in the jungle, and I will never forget the distress of realizing that finding the elusive cat is no easy task. 

But all of a sudden, there it was. Glorious in its fierce black striped orange coat, a killer look and an attitude to die for. My first wild tiger.

That fleeting moment was enough to make me want more. Today, I have moved to Central India, prime tiger landscape of the world, and I have seen 103 different individuals. But every time I see those eyes, I feel the same excitement that I felt as a total beginner that day in Ranthambhore.”

Finding love in an unexpected place

Traveling is full of surprises. A spontaneous detour can change your life forever. Don’t I know it! A quick, unplanned stop in Split after exploring Dubrovnik ended up seeing me move continents for love. A simple recommendation of a town in The Philippines had the same in store for Alya. This is the tale of the trip that lead her to her husband:

“Meeting my future husband was definitely one of the most life-changing travel experiences I’ve ever had. We met 6 years ago in the Philippines. I was traveling alone around Southeast Asia for a couple of months. After completing my dive course in Gili Air Island in Indonesia and didn’t know where to go next. I was looking for a good place to learn to surf. My dive instructor told me about San Fernando, a small town on Luzon Island in the Philippines. It sounded like the perfect place for me. I bought a plane ticket immediately and two days later arrived in San Fernando.

The hostel I stayed at had a big dormitory with many beds. I met many travelers including Campbell. In fact, we had neighboring beds in the dormitory. He traveled alone as well and we liked each other, so we started going together to the beach, surfing and going out at night. By chance we had very similar travel plans and decided to continue our trip together.

We both like doing the same things, like surfing, diving and hiking. We left San Fernando and traveled around the Philippines together for 2 months. From there we went to Singapore. Unfortunately, I had to go back home, my 4-month holiday was over. We arranged to meet up again two months later in Nepal since we both had trekking to Everest Base Camp on our bucket list. So we did, it was our first multi-day trek together.

We met up a couple of times on the road again in different countries. After 6 months of on and off I decided to quit my job and join Campbell on his around the world adventure. Three years later we got married and decided to start a travel blog . In the last 6 years we’ve done hundreds of hikes, spent a year hitchhiking through Latin America, drove thousands of kilometers across Africa and walked seven Camino de Santiago routes.

Now I can’t imagine how my life would look like if I hadn’t gone to that place in the Philippines and had never met my husband.”

Giving is better than having

A trip to South East Asia gave Corritta’s life a whole new meaning. Possessions are overrated, true happiness comes from giving. She and her family left a comfortable life in the United States behind to fill their souls while making the world a better place. This is the tale of their journey:

“My life changing experience prompted me to sell our house, car and possessions to take off on a journey to see the world. That may seem a little extreme but let me explain. My first international trip was to Bangkok in 2018. I thought this trip would be a great way to get away from the stress in my life. It turned out to be a life altering experience that made me realize I was existing, not living. 

While in Bangkok we took a day trip to Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand and it changed my life. We learned how cruel animal tourism is and how we, as tourists, are unwitting accomplices. We support illegal pouching and animal cruelty by taking part in animal tourism. This includes taking pictures with large cats or monkeys and riding elephants. When we do these things, we are not only hurting the animals, we are ensuring things will never get better. I must admit I was never an animal lover but being up close and personal with elephants changed something within me. It made me want to give back.  

So, two years later, with my partner and our one-year old baby boy, decided to take off for a  family gap year .  We sold everything and left San Diego to live a life of service. We will use this time to give back to those less fortunate. 

When I left Thailand my definition of happiness changed. It was no longer associated with material possessions, but by the quality of life I wanted to live. I realized what truly matters is the love of your family. The Thai people with their families were happier than most Americans. So I decided to take back one of the most invaluable things in the world, time. Never forget, all the money in the world can’t buy you more time.” 

Small changes can make the world a better place

A trip to Australia developed plastic-issue awareness in Simona. Seeing how the tides brought tons of plastic to the shores made her change her approach to traveling. From carrying her own grocery bags and water bottle, little adjustments made her a much more responsible traveler. This is how her journey towards sustainability started:

“The first time ever I realized that plastic was a serious matter for our planet was during a road trip in Western Australia, almost 12 years ago.

We stopped at a supermarket along the Coral Bay coast to buy some groceries and the lady at the counter told us they didn’t sell any shopping bags to prevent plastic in the ocean and to help preserving the endangered turtles living in that area. After a first reaction of surprise, we gathered all our shopping in our arms and left, reflecting on what we had been told.

This was just one of the many experiences I’ve lived that made me more conscious about my impact and pushed me to adopt various habits to live and travel more sustainably. For example, after that trip, I am always carrying a cotton bag when I go shopping.

Our eco-honeymoon to Borneo was another life-changing experience that has strengthened my resolution to turn to a zero-waste lifestyle. I selected three ecotourism projects to visit. In Asia finding safe drinkable water is always a challenge, but we traveled with our water bottle, and we chose the right service providers engaged in sustainable travel so, with a little effort, we managed to avoid almost entirely the use of plastic during our trip.

However, we were seriously struck by our stay on Libaran Island, where a sustainable and turtle conservation project was launched 10 years ago. Despite the big efforts carried out by the project and the community in cleaning up the beaches and creatively re-use plastic, the shore is washed daily with tons of plastic coming from the tides. Walking on a carpet of plastic that almost prevented us from seeing the beach underneath was quite shocking.

Facing this global issue in person, raised in me a contrasting feeling of sadness and anger that soon turned into determination: to do as much as possible to reduce plastic in our life. Sometimes we may feel helpless in front of big problems, but we should be aware that small changes can actually make a difference!”

• The Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Travel
• Sustainable Travel Photography
• Eco-friendly hiking: sustainable tips and packing guide
• Plant-based diet & Sustainability

Discovering happiness in simplicity

When her career and personal relations were failing, Soujanya decided to retreat to the mountains. The Himalayas were the perfect setting to get away from everything and regain perspective. In a small village she discovered that technology is overrated, and that what counts are real connections. This is how a trip to India changed her take on life:

“Back in mid-2019 I wasn’t in a good place in life. I was getting out of a serious relationship, I was burn out at my job, I had problems within my family, and the ever-increasing sense of loneliness had thrown me into a pit of depression. During that time, I turned to the only positive thing I had going on for myself, which was travel and blogging.

After some contemplation, I decided to quit my job to travel. I had saved up enough money that would last me 8-10 months so I didn’t give it much thought because I knew it was the only thing that would keep me from tipping over the edge.

The first thing I did after leaving my job was to head to the Himalayas in India. I spent a month in the Kinnaur and Spiti valleys in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The Kinnaur district was a breath of fresh air. The snow-clad mountain range in the distance, the lush green vegetation all around, the sparse population and the friendly people spoke to my soul.

There was one village called Chitkul , which lies on the Indo-Tibet border and has no cell connectivity, that helped heal me the most. A remote village with a population of less than a thousand people and only a handful of tourists, with nothing around it for many miles.

I spent my days sitting by the river, hiking to the nearby hills and walking through meadows. Just being there surrounded by the Himalayas, without any social media due to lack of connectivity, and making real connections with other travelers and the villagers had some sort of magical effect on me. Not only I have the best travel experience of my life, but the place also healed my mind. I came back happier than ever, with a renewed spirit, ready to enjoy everything that life had to offer.”

Uncovering a braver version of yourself

We all have that one thing we’d love to do but we’re too scared to try. A trip to Thailand taught Allison that life is what we made of it. Pushing her boundaries not only allowed her to have a ton of fun, but also gave her a new path, one in which she gets to do what she loves. This is her story, an encouragement for you to get out of you comfort zone too:

“Shortly after I graduated from college, I moved to a new state to start a full-time job. One day at work, I found myself wanting to go traveling. As I didn’t have any friends there, I decided it was the perfect opportunity to go on my first ever solo trip. So I quickly started doing research on where I’d like to go.

I had never traveled alone before, especially overseas, so I decided to sign up for a guided group that was going rock climbing in Thailand . This gave me a sense of security, being new to solo traveling. It felt like a great way to dip my toes into being alone and meeting strangers, but also doing something that sounded really fun and engaging for 2 weeks.

The entire Thailand trip forced me out of so many comfort zones that ended up being one of the big turning points of my life. The time I spent in Thailand navigating airports and taxis alone, meeting a group of complete strangers, and spending 2 weeks climbing with them in often remote parts of the country, ended up being one of the greatest experiences of my life. Up until this point I had always considered myself a ‘shy’ and ‘cautious’ kind of person, but this travel experience lit me up to become different. It showed me a brave, strong, and self-sufficient side of myself that went on to influence my life in dramatic ways when I returned home.

When I got back, I pretty much dedicated my life to spending as much time as possible outdoors whether that be climbing, hiking, or backpacking… essentially doing things that I once thought I wasn’t ‘capable of’ or was ‘too scared of’. Today, roughly 6 years later, I’m an outdoor empowerment coach and backpacking educator.

My trip to Thailand was the spark that I needed to make that change. It showed me what was possible. I don’t know if it was the people I met, the experiences I had, or the beauty of traveling in Thailand – likely a bit of all of it– but whatever it was, it changed the trajectory of my life, and I’ll forever hold Thailand (and all the people I met) in a special place in my heart.”

A leap of faith towards a new life

Getting to visit a new place after a business trip is nothing out of the ordinary. For most people. For Derek and Mike it was literally life-changing. After a quick trip to Copenhagen , they packed up and started a new chapter of their lives as expats in a different continent. This is the tale of their journey:

“In November 2016 we had a life-changing travel experience in Copenhagen, Denmark. My partner Mike was asked to make an unexpected business trip to the city to help with a project. His company had recently acquired another company in Denmark, and he was asked to help with the integration. He flew there from our hometown, Philadelphia, with only a few days’ notice, and on his first day in the office they asked if he would stay a few weeks longer. He agreed but asked for time off during the American Thanksgiving so that I could fly to Denmark and take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy a cheap trip to Europe with no-cost lodging and some meals expensed.

We loved getting to check out a city that we didn’t have on our travel bucket list before this opportunity came about. We did a few tours, visited the Christmas markets and dined out. At one restaurant we got to try the traditional Danish Christmas meal. I enjoyed Copenhagen for 5 days and Mike remained there for work until the end of November.

On his last night in Denmark, he had dinner at his boss’ home. They shared a meal with a lot of wine and then Mike called me when he got back to his hotel. I could hear the excitement in his voice. He asked if I liked Copenhagen, which seemed odd because he knew I enjoyed myself when I was there. Then he asked if I liked it enough to move there, because on that final night, his boss asked if we would take an expat assignment in Denmark.

We didn’t hesitate to accept and our life abroad began almost right away. That trip to Copenhagen was certainly life-changing!”

Learning to fully appreciate what’s in front you

No matter how much you have traveled, there are places that will bring up the best of you. No matter how much there is still to see, some places will take your breath away and will forever stay in your heart. A trip to Antarctica transformed Wendy into a student. She acquired as much information as she could to fully absorb the beauty that she was about to witness. And now she is longing to go back. This is her story:

“Before my cruise from Ushuaia to Antarctica , I was already quite well-traveled. I had visited about 75 countries and seen plenty of natural beauty before. But all of that paled in comparison to the White Continent. The Perito Moreno glacier in Argentina had mesmerized me just days earlier, but now I was seeing dozens, even hundreds, of sparkling white glaciers practically everywhere I looked. These landscapes were so different from anything I’d ever seen that it felt like I’d traveled to another planet.

On the times when the weather was bad, and on the long days of crossing the Drake Passage between Tierra del Fuego and Antarctica, I soaked up every bit of knowledge that I could about this snow-and-ice-covered land. Our ship, the MV Ushuaia, was manned by a full staff of scientists and lecturers who were experts in a number of relevant topics, from geology to ornithology. When we were out on the high seas with nothing to do, these experts held lectures on the flora, fauna, history and geology of Antarctica, and I attended every single one.

When we stopped at the British base at Port Lockroy on Goudier Island, I grilled the staff there with questions about how I too could go live and work on the island. And while that dream never materialized, my memories of Antarctica are still sharp in my mind 11 years later, and I still dream of returning one day.

Such an expensive voyage would normally be the trip of a lifetime, not a return destination. But if you’re willing to try your luck, sharply discounted last-minute deals can be found at the port in Ushuaia a day or two before departure. In recent years, these huge discounts have become few and far between, as most ships fill up months in advance. But still I’m thinking of a return trip to Antarctica for some more adventure!”

No matter where you go, every single place in the world has the potential to change your life! Tell me in the comments if you’ve had any life-changing travel experiences!

Liked it? Want to read it later? Pin it!

Did you like what you read? You can show your appreciation by buying me a coffee 🙂 Your support will ensure I keep bringing you stories and insights from around the world! Thanks so much!

16 thoughts on “Life-changing travel experience stories”

Wow this is really amazing,I pray that I will be opportuned to travel around the world one day

Sometimes we think it’s a far away dream because it’s dangerous, or expensive, or because we can’t take time from work. I’m aware that for some people it’s actually quite impossible due to their passport or the political situation in their country. For others, their responsibilities are far too great to leave behind. But for most of us, it’s just a matter of priorities. Don’t wait until you have all the money you think you need, or all the time you’d like to spend on the road. Just go! Even if it’s a weekend trip to your neighboring city, or to the countryside close to your place. You got to start somewhere, and every trip has the potential to be life-changing! Let me know how it goes! 🙂

I was looking for inspiration, and inspiration I found. I can’t travel at the moment, but I’m already thinking of how to be more sustainable on my next trip. Thank you all for sharing!

That’s amazing to hear, Dani! Welcome to the sustainable traveler’s team! 🌱

I googled inspiring travel stories to see if my day could be picked up, and I’m so glad this popped up! Lovely stories, super inspiring! I can’t wait for the pandemic to be over to create some travel stories of my own ❤️

Awww! I’m so happy to read your comment, Monty! Hopefully the pandemic will be under control soon and you’ll get to have some travel stories too. Make sure you tell me about them!

Beautiful tales! I can’t wait to start traveling again. Travel already has changed my life, but I’d be happy living through any of the wonderful experiences described here!

When you get to travel again, keep an open mind and an open heart… amazing experiences will happen! ❤️

Very inspiring stories! Thank you for sharing them!

It was a blast to write this, and collect other wonderful tales!

Love all these stories! Love how travel has shaped everyone!

In one way or another, every trip makes us a bit different. It was great to get these wonderful travelers to share their stories -now I’m sure it’s not only me who is deeply changed by travel!

These are all such inspiring stories! Really goes to show you how much travel can impact your life. Thanks for sharing!

It’s crazy how much travel can change us, and how much we can learn from it, no matter where we go!

I loved reading this! All of the stories are such an inspiration! I can’t wait to get back on the road 😍

In times of armchair travel, nothing like beautiful stories to keep the wanderlust up, right? ❤️

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Let's go round the world in 201 experiences! Get tons of tips and inspiration in your own inbox.

Check our Privacy policy

12 Trips of a Lifetime to Inspire Your Next Vacation

Customers rate Zicasso's travel referral service  5  on a scale of 1 to 5 based on  1529  reviews on Trustpilot

We match you with top tour companies that specialize in the trip you want,  whether it's a customized private tour or a group tour.

Heli hiking Earnslaw Burn in New Zealand. Photo courtesy of Destination Queenstown

Dive deep into what makes Zicasso's experiences exceptional with our 12 trips of a lifetime.

As you anticipate your travel plans, explore how you can make strides in discovering the right trip for you, whether embracing the epic beauty of Patagonia and Antarctica, exploring the vast treasures of the Mediterranean, or uncovering the ineffable beauty of nature in Australia and New Zealand.

Your gateway to a dream vacation starts with exploring the vast array of options to find the trip that fits your interests and goals, that will help bring your dream trip to life.

2. Australia

4. patagonia and antarctica, 5. italy, france, and greece, 6. east africa safari, 7. australia and new zealand, 8. galapagos and peru, 10. thailand, vietnam, and cambodia, 11. southern africa safari, 12. around the world, make your next trip of a lifetime happen.

Ravello, Italy

Italy captures the best of Europe, offering a glimpse into a world where the past and present converge. One of our Italy travel specialists designed the Elegant Italy: Art, History, Food, and Wine tour as an immersive discovery of life’s essential pleasures as you travel from Venice to the Amalfi Coast.

When visiting Italy, you can also explore Rome in a vintage Fiat 500, learn the art of pizza-making from a Neapolitan chef, witness the traditions of the Venetian islands, and enjoy the art history of Florence on a tour that intertwines luxury and wonder. Our trip ideas for the Art Enthusiast can place you in front of some of the world’s most widely regarded masterpieces, but Italy stands out as a treasure trove of artistic development through the ages.

Expert Tips for Discerning Travelers

Barossa Valley Estate Vineyards. Photo courtesy of South Australia Tourism / Simon Griffiths

Australia is always full of surprises and Immersion into Australia: Outback to Wine Country , designed by a Zicasso Australia travel expert, demonstrates the endless possibilities for luxurious experiences and stunning natural beauty.

From indulging in the foodie culture to embracing the vines in the country’s oldest wine-growing region, enjoying a sumptuous spa, or finding wild kangaroos, this trip gives you an entirely different perspective of the Land Down Under.

Enjoy your introduction to the beauty of the winelands, from New South Wales to southern Australia, Victoria to Tasmania, as you balance the scenery’s beauty and raw power with the welcoming indulgences of an adventurous getaway.

Malaga, Spain

With passion and sophistication, Spain can capture your imagination with a simple aroma or a spirited dance, a heartfelt song or a golden beach.

The epic landscape has shaped the heritage and the preserved culture remains part of daily life that you can experience on the 20-Day Traditions of Spain tour, designed by a Zicasso travel specialist specifically as a Trip of a Lifetime to Spain. The past and present collide in charming villages and along the streets, with each new destination revealing how the diversity of cultural history has informed the country’s charisma.

Spain is home to some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants and gastronomic history, inspiring new ways to explore trip ideas for the Culinary Traveler . When in the country, you can indulge in the majestic ambiance of the Mediterranean, sample the essential spices of paella, and stroll along preserved medieval walls, each day giving you new insight into local and national essence.

Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

Mesmerizing Patagonia and Antarctica is the perfect adventure for nature lovers and those looking for a unique experience far from crowded city streets. Patagonia's combination of forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, and glaciers leads to visions of guanaco, choique, and condor resulting in the ultimate experience in South America.

Zodiac boats around towering glaciers in Antarctica reveal squawking penguins, breaching whales, or sweeping panoramas of the endless tundra. By working with boutique luxury lodges and small boats, you can have a very personalized experience, whether you prefer private excursions or traveling in small groups.

Positano on the Amalfi Coast in Italy

Europe fascinates travelers with promises of distinctive, yet connected cultures with millennia of history. Many visit countries like France or Italy to experience the different paces of life and the Ultimate European Explorer Tour: Italy, France, Greece was designed to celebrate simple pleasures.

From the taste of morning coffee to the sunlight glinting against the river, this carefully designed 28-day customizable itinerary leaves space to travel with intention.

The cultural heritage of France, Italy, and Greece is unique. With the contrast in culture, food, art, architecture, and the diverse stunning landscapes, this trip is rich in unforgettable experiences, with each day focused on a new perspective. You can also find new ways to enjoy these Mediterranean countries and more with our trip ideas for the Wine Lover .

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

An East African safari provides the soul-shifting experience of getting up close and personal with wildlife. Lifetime memories are made of specific moments; to be within arm’s reach of a mountain gorilla or hear a lion roar a mere few feet away.

Designed by Zicasso safari experts, the Unparalleled East Africa Safari Experience brings you the best of safari.

From walking through the wilderness with a specialist guide in search of resting lions to horseback riding alongside sprinting zebras, a private, outdoor bath overlooking the riverbanks to trekking for gorillas in dense jungle terrain, or even following rangers to learn more about conservation efforts to protect the likes of elephants and rhinos, the opportunities are endless.

Look for more ways to embrace nature and the natural world with our trip ideas for the Wildlife Enthusiast .

Photo courtesy of Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree

Oceania Trip of Lifetime: Best Australia and New Zealand Tour is the way to truly experience the mixture of culture, history, and immersive scenery. Australia encompasses the rich jungle terrain of Daintree National Park and offers a peaceful respite amongst the radiant sunshine of Uluru at the Red Centre, with the diversity of biospheres giving way to intimate connections to ancient local cultures.

90 percent of visitors to Australia never meet an Aboriginal person, but the focus of this trip of a lifetime allows travelers to connect with the landscape and local communities to discover a remarkable history of interconnectivity.

Beyond heritage, Oceania flows with incredible wine and food, as well as inspiring wildlife experiences, among them koalas nibbling on eucalyptus, kangaroos hopping across open plains, and sightings of New Zealand’s famous flightless kiwis or the masterful flying albatrosses, with their eight-foot wingspans.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Nature and the Incan Empire's unique history represent distinct perspectives that nearly equal their mythological intensity and drama.

Many visit countries like Ecuador and Peru for fascinating endemic wildlife and Incan culture woven into the fabric of the Andes. Designed by a Zicasso travel expert, the Exceptional Galapagos and Peru Tour of a Lifetime displays the complexities of the ecosystems and massive stone ruins.

Over the course of 18 days, the Galapagos Islands will capture your imagination as you snorkel in clear waters, while the majestic ambiance of Machu Picchu leads to floating islands and the high-altitude lakeshores of Lake Titicaca in Peru.

You can find more ways to enjoy an immersive experience among islands, mountains, and more with our trip ideas for the Nature Lover .

Kyoto, Chureito Pagoda with Mt Fuji in Fujiyoshida, Japan

The Premier Enchantments of Japan Tour focuses on the nation’s incredible diversity, whether Tokyo’s ultra-modern ambiance or the customary inns hidden in the mountains. Late October and early November are filled with bright red, yellow, golden, and brown colors adding to the natural beauty Japan displays around every corner.

Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples dating back to before the construction of Europe’s intricate cathedrals unveil elaborate designs and a connection to surrounding nature. Tradition is preserved and celebrated in ceramics and textiles, while cedar groves and cherry trees lead to bubbling hot springs.

Culinary delights embody customs and push new boundaries, constantly changing with the seasons. Through the eyes of the traveler, Japan feels part myth, part treasure, where enchanting gardens highlight antique collaboration and modern boutiques reflect a global and historic perspective.

Food market in Vietnam

Ancient wonder, modern majesty, cultural complexity, and culinary mastery capture the essence of what you can discover on the Culinary Journey of a Lifetime to Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia tour. Whether a foodie at heart or eager to travel beyond the familiar, Southeast Asia offers experiences in authentic local cuisine and beyond.

Travelers can expect rare visits to places where some of the raw ingredients are grown, see Asian organic farming techniques, and learn from experts, chefs, or farmers about the different uses of fresh, local produce, herbs, spices, tea, and infusions. Spectacular soaring karsts, winding mountains, historic kingdoms, and raw jungle only accentuate the fusion of dramatic flavors.

Okavango Delta, Botwana

A thrilling puzzle of enticing landscapes, mesmerizing wildlife, and the classic thrill of searching the remote wilderness while indulging in contemporary luxuries embodies the welcome drama of The Best Southern Africa Vacation: Evocative Safari Experiences .

Botswana and Zimbabwe combine some of the best overall wildlife in the most pristine environments in Africa. By visiting three unique ecosystems, each offering a wide range of activities, from day and night game drives, boating, canoeing, tiger fishing, walking, and cultural interactions, you can enjoy a much richer safari experience.

A specialist guide will offer you a wealth of knowledge as they showcase their skills during a game drive, guided walk, or canoe safari. You may learn the art of tracking while getting up close to animals like elephants, buffalo, wild dogs, and more.

Kirkjufellsfoss and Kirkjufell on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, Iceland

The Around the World Trip of a Lifetime fulfills dreams. A Zicasso global travel specialist designed a trip inspired by childhood, storybooks, and the promise of adventure.

From a young age, we are transported to other lands in our favorite books and movies. We long to see the most incredible mountains, witness majestic animals, traverse untouched deserts, and lounge on private beaches. This trip captures the spirit of childhood dreams with a journey around the globe taking you from Iceland to Petra, Mongolia to Nepal, the Maldives to Southern Africa, and Patagonia to Belize.

As we travel the world to find the clear waters in Belize and the pampas of Patagonia, the open plains of South Africa, and the mists of Victoria Falls, you can take comfort in the mixture of seclusion and luxury when guided by a world travel expert. No matter your preferences, you will be treated like royalty every step of the way.

Whether looking for wildlife in its natural habitat or finding new ideas in the trips of others, you can explore Zicasso's Staff Collection for inspiration about where in the world our travel team is interested in visiting.

Sand dunes in the Gobi desert, Mongolia

Every Zicasso trip is customized for you. Whether seven days or seven weeks, your itinerary is built to your preferences. Being in the hands of a destination expert is essential, as they provide knowledge and access to experiences you may never have known existed without their localized expertise.

From indulging in the luxuries of the ultimate African safari to embracing the mixture of tropical beauty and ancient history in Southeast Asia, looking to experience trip ideas for a Milestone Celebration or interested in trip ideas for the Romantic Traveler , Zicasso can make your trip of a lifetime a reality. Find more ideas, information, or inspiration with our Trips of a Lifetime travel guide .

Your Dream Vacation

in 3 simple steps

Describe your dream trip

Get matched with top travel specialists

Book the trip

Help Me Plan My Trip

Free service - no credit card required

Get Top Travel Specialists to Help Plan Your Trip

Home » Travel Inspiration » 21 Epic Travel Experiences Of A Lifetime To Put On Your Bucket List

21 Epic Travel Experiences Of A Lifetime To Put On Your Bucket List

Links in this article may earn us a little money if you book/ order stuff. More here .

These Are 21 of Our Must-Do Travel Experiences of a Lifetime!

Having had a wild year, we’ve thought a lot about our once in a lifetime travel experiences lately.

That’s what happens when you visit off-the-beaten-path countries like  Albania , Bosnia and Herzegovina , and Romania, and then quickly contrast them with the wildly popular Dubrovnik, Croatia .

You start to think about the places that stick with you, stand out in your mind, challenged you, and changed you. That was Sarajevo for us.

One thing we’ve come to understand is that everyone experiences places differently – and each of those experiences are valid. So, in coming up with an ultimate list of experiences, it would be wrong to call them the best travel experiences in the world.

These kinds of top life experiences lists are totally subjective – and everyone is going to have a different list. It’s important to remember that.

So, having read quite a few travel experience articles over the years and having heard stories via word of mouth, this is OUR bucket list of life-changing travel experiences.

We’ve also included one or two things which we are lucky to have done already and feel they were so good that it’s worth chatting about! Ready? Let’s get on with the adventure.

See Penguins in the Wild

Starting off strong with this one, we really want to see penguins in the wild. We love penguins  – as you might have already guessed by the name.

We love our stuffed penguins (who were gifts when we first met ) but seeing real, live penguins would be awesome.

Now, there are a few different places that this could happen: South Africa, Argentina, Australia, and even Antarctica, to name a few.

That said, we might lean towards doing a tour in South Africa because you get to see other cool things like Table Mountain as well as a giant penguin colony!

Island Hopping in Croatia

It seems that lots of travellers go to Croatia with the intention to see the beautiful islands. We sure did when we stayed outside Split.

Turns out, it can be tricky to explore them on your own schedule due to ferry schedules and finances.

So, we did a bit of research and determined that an island hopping day tour was legitimately the best bang for our buck. Honestly, it was the BEST day – so we are recommending it as a bucket list item.

We explored the islands around Split ( including Hvar ) but there are more further up the coast closer to Zadar and a few further down the Adriatic Coast to Dubrovnik.

You can actually read about our experience island hopping in Croatia  and  watch the video  on YouTube.

Camping and Canoeing Adventure in Yukon, Canada

Staying a little closer to home for this one, Canada is so massive that exploring it could take a lifetime – and you still probably wouldn’t see the whole thing.

We’ve been to the cottage in Ontario, and Eric has been to way up in Northern Ontario, but the Canadian territories are a whole other level of Canadian wilderness.

The Yukon territory (the one close to Alaska) is one such place that we want to check out. That’s one reason we have Yukon’s capital, Whitehorse, on our Canada sightseeing list , as well!

We would definitely not be ready to tackle a big trip in the Yukon on our own so we would go with an experienced guide on an epic Yukon adventure .

Watching The Sunset Twice At The Burj Khalifa

Always a sucker for a sunset, we think that seeing the sunset twice in a single day would be cool. How do you do it? Head to the top of the Burj Khalifa, of course!

The Burj Khalifa is the tallest structure on Earth and is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Because the building is so tall, it is theoretically possible to watch the sunset from the ground, take the elevator to the viewing decks, and watch the sun set AGAIN.

Hooray for angles! To do that, we’d need a Burj Khalifa visitors ticket  for the elevators to the top but that’s easy to manage. Dubai is also a city that calls to us for exploring.

Seeing The Moai Heads On Easter Island (Rapa Nui)

Do you know those giant carved rock heads on that island? You know, the one you’ve seen in travel books or online before?

Well, they are called “Moai” and they are standing mysteriously on Rapa Nui, also called Easter Island. Technically part of Chile, this island has been shrouded in mystery and adventure for centuries. Naturally, we want to go and see the Moai up-close.

It’s no easy feat to carve hundred of stone heads measuring 4 metres tall and weighing around 14 tons a piece.

Getting there is also no easy feat. You basically have to fly from mainland Chile – which can get expensive and logistically tough since there aren’t that many flights and spaces book up in advance.

Visiting Easter Island is one of those experiences that you kinda have to plan ahead for. You don’t wake up and go, “Hey, let’s head to Easter Island today”. Unless you’re a millionaire with a private jet, basically.

Lounging On The Purest Sand In The Whitsundays, Australia

Our list wouldn’t be complete without at least one Australia spot. The Whitsunday Islands will do! Fun Fact: there are 74 Whitsunday Islands, with the famous Whitehaven Beach featuring some of the purest, whitest sand in the world.

Eric visited way back in 2010 and got to go on a Whitsunday catamaran adventure out to the islands. It was such a great day. The whites and blues of the landscape are out of this world.

Lisa has never been to Australia so we think it’s about time we returned to the land down under. Plus, we’ve got quite a few Aussie friends that keep pestering us to make the trek down there.

We actually had some travel bloggers share their other top places to check out in Australia  so we’ve been reading that list for inspiration!

Making/Eating Authentic Sushi in Japan

Just to preface this one – we both love Japanese cuisine. Particularly, Lisa loves a bowl of authentic ramen while Eric is more a sushi guy.

We’ve both never been to Japan but have friends who have lived, taught, or visited there over the years. Having heard stories of how amazing the country is, we are dying to go.

When we are there, we want to take full advantage of the experience and go to a sushi making/eating class . The authenticity level would be off the charts.

Aside from eating, we also want to explore the cities like Tokyo and Osaka as well as dig our own onsen (hot spring bath). We’ll keep you posted on that one.

Riding In A Hot Air Balloon Over Cappadocia, Turkey

While there are a few well-known places to take an epic hot air balloon ride, few can compete with the grandeur of taking a ride in a hot air balloon over Cappadocia , Turkey.

The volcanic landscape provides an epic backdrop for dozens of balloons floating towards the sky. Eric has actually been in a hot air balloon before – but not in a place like this with many more balloons around!

We also want to explore Turkey, in general, but it’s not on the list for the immediate future. Too many places, so little time.

Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu

The next two in this post are on the bucket list and are a bit of a sore spot for us. We once HAD a whole trip to South America planned and half-booked.

As per usual, life got in the way with other plans. So, we haven’t been to Peru to discover places like Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu.

That said, we know that someday we will make it down there. For us, hiking the whole Inca Trail would be an amazing mix of exercise, scenery, and nature.

There are different trail lengths/configurations based on the time you have, your fitness level, and where you wish to begin. You don’t have to walk to Machu Picchu if you don’t want to.

There are day train tours to Machu Picchu from Cusco  that are popular but if you wanted to make a whole trek out of it (like we want to), you might consider a full-on Inca Trail trekking tour .

Stargazing in the Atacama Desert in Chile

This is another one of those bucket list items that we ALMOST did. If you read the above entry about hiking to Machu Picchu, we had a trip planned that included (among other things) camping in the Atacama Desert on Chile.

We had heard that the stars are just absolutely out of this world and we were so looking forward to it. We are determined to make it down there someday!

We were going to do the trip on our own but hop on appropriate tours as necessary throughout South America.

Heading across the Atacama Desert with an adventure guide was one such instance since there is a lot to see along the way and navigating on your own would be difficult and potentially unsafe if you aren’t prepared!

Exploring Castles In The Scottish Highlands

This is another bucket list travel experience of a lifetime that hits a sore spot. See, we’ve both lived in Edinburgh at one time or another (it’s where we met, kinda) and neither of us made it up to explore the famed Scottish Highlands.

There are so many great day trips from Edinburgh that we have been on – but up to the Highlands, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, etc just aren’t one of them.

We know plenty of people who have explored the Highlands on tours, in rental cars, on backpacking bus routes, you name it.

In particular, there is one castle we want to see – Eilean Donan Castle. It looks gorgeous sitting there surrounded by Scottish landscapes.

We might take more time to do a day trip to Eilean and the Isle of Skye but we will plan more when trips become official and we are back in the UK!

Riding The Trans-Siberian Railway

Lisa has a thing for train rides (and Eric doesn’t mind them) so naturally one of the longest train routes in the world at almost 5,000 miles over 6 days seems like a once in a lifetime travel experience.

The Trans Siberian Railway is a massive grouping of rail systems that cover Europe and Asia. The Man in Seat 61 has a helpful guide on the Trans Siberian .

The classic portion of the route would be from Moscow, Russia to Beijing, China. However, the real journey starts in the European rail system with an unofficial starting point to the “proper route” as St. Pancreas Station in London, UK.

While the tickets for a 2nd class berth aren’t crazy expensive, the VISAS would be the most difficult part considering there might be 3 or more involved – Russia and China being the not-so-fun ones to apply for!

Swimming on the Edge of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe

Heading back to Africa – specifically Zambia and Zimbabwe – and checking out the mighty Victoria Falls is definitely on our experiences of a lifetime list.

But just seeing the falls is not enough – we want to swim on the edge. Visitors to the falls can swim in what is called the “Devil’s Pool” which is located beside Livingstone Island (which is on the Zambia side).

This famous pool is a rocky area that is located right on the edge of the falls – basically the scariest infinity pool imaginable. Would you hop in?

You can do a tour of Livingstone Island and hop in the Devil’s Pool for the ultimate Victoria Falls experience and we are SO in.

Exploring Petra and Camping in The Jordanian Desert

This is one that Eric has had on his bucket list for a long time now. Being a big fan of Indiana Jones, he has been wanting to explore the lost city of Petra and sleep under the stars in the desert for years.

He also has a buddy who has been to Jordan and loved every second there.

After doing a bit of research, we’ve realized Petra is way larger than we had previously imagined. There are also lots of other things to discover in the region.

That said, we’d do a multi-day desert camping tour since a day trip just wouldn’t cut it – especially if you go all that way into the desert!

Riding The Glacier Express in Switzerland

Back to the idea of trains, this is one that calls to Lisa. The Glacier Express is both the name of the train company and route that takes you through the most spectacular, wintery, and scenic parts of the Swiss Alps.

The trains have massive glass coverings so riders get the best views of the mountainous terrain. The train goes through tunnels and over large span bridges for a memorable day trip between St.Moritz/Davos and Zermatt.

If you want to check out the Glacier Express, visit their website and prepare to be amazed!

Dog Sledding and Seeing The Northern Lights In Finland

We have a thing for animals so naturally we love dogs, as well. We also really want to see the Northern Lights up close and bright while in the right season.

Eric has seen them in Canada and from an airplane but never crystal clear. Since we know that Finland’s northern parts – called the Lapland – are a prime spot to view them, we’d love the opportunity to tour into Lapland .

The snow is abundant, the activities are endless (dog sledding, snowmobiling, etc), and the northern lights are basically guaranteed to be absolutely gorgeous.

That said, we would definitely keep an eye on which dog sledding company we use to make sure they have a good record going for treatment of their doggies.

Read Next –   12 Winter Destinations in Europe We Love

Hang Gliding in Rio de Janeiro

This one is definitely to cater to the adrenaline-junkie side of us. We have classic train rides on this list – but yet we also have hang gliding in Rio de Janeiro.

Having seen this activity done on Departures (arguably the best travel show ever created), soaring above the bustling Brazilian city has been on Eric’s list for years.

Heights don’t scare us – we’ve both been tandem skydiving (Eric went skydiving in Cairns, Australia ) and Eric has also been bungee jumping before.

There is one company that is known for its safety record and experience taking to the skies hundreds of times a year – so we would definitely try to go tandem hang gliding with Rio Hang Gliding . We would also not tell our mothers beforehand!

Reflecting At The Salt Flats in Bolivia

This one is the last of the South America-based activities that we were about to book and then had to cancel. We SO BADLY want to see the salt flats at Uyuni, Bolivia – the world’s largest salt flats.

When there is water, the place is a giant mirror, seen above. When it’s dry, the flats are good for those classic photos people take that play with scale and depth.

We actually spent quite a bit of time researching the top tour companies to take us out there for a few days.

When we looked, the information was kind of lacking so we considered booking at trusted  Uyuni salt flats tour beforehand as opposed to booking there.

Whatever we end up doing (when we do it) we will write all about it!

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Always one to be drawn to high places for the amazing views (hence the Burj Khalifa earlier on this list), hiking to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro is definitely on our list of experiences of a lifetime.

Eric has been to Kenya and stood (briefly) in Tanzania, but never had the chance to check out Kilimanjaro.

As with most experiences here, we know a handful of people who have climbed the mountain and had an incredible time. The trick is – it’s not cheap. Usually, it’s best practice to hop on a guided climb  that takes you up safely.

Watching The Sunrise Over Angkor Wat in Cambodia

Since neither of us has been to Asia before, we would definitely start off a little more “touristy” before diving into other experiences and countries.

When it comes to Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Malaysia are our top places to go first.

For us, visiting Angkor Wat is probably one of the biggest draws to the region. We aren’t religious but can appreciate the dedication to faith through architecture.

The grand size of the temple complex must be just awesome to explore, and watching the sunrise at Angkor Wat  is definitely on our bucket list.

Road Tripping The Pacific Coast Highway In California, USA

Last, but certainly not least, is taking an epic road trip down California’s famed State Route 1. In particular, there is a famous portion known as the Pacific Coast Highway.

This stretch of the highway has some of the most scenic and longest straights of untouched coastline in the whole of the United States.

You’ll pass through the famous mountainous region, Big Sur, among other amazing places along the way.

If you are planning a road trip and looking for a deal on rental cars, you can compare prices here across the companies you know and love. We’ve been planning this route for some time but need to get to the US to get started!

And there you have it – 21 of our ideas for epic travel experiences of a lifetime. We truly hope that we can complete this list and then some over the course of our life but we know that we would be lucky to do even a quarter of them.

What do you think? Any of these stand out? Have you done any of them before? What experiences of a lifetime are on your travel bucket list?

Get in touch and let us know – we’d love to compare notes and ideas!

• Compare flights on Skyscanner
• Check for Hotel Deals or Book A Hostel
• Get A Rental Car (depending on the destination)
• Research plug types and possibly get a travel adapter
• Go over our packing list

Pin it for later!

As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Destinations

Privacy policy

Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure

Terms of use

© 2024 Creativlier Media Inc.

What It's Really Like to Join an Ayahuasca Retreat Alongside Spiritual Experts

By Michaela Trimble

For a few twilight hours in a remote jungle of the Spanish Caribbean , I ceased to exist. On my first-ever ayahuasca retreat, a medicine journey that was facilitated by a local healing couple I met while traveling, I curled up inside a sleeping bag beneath a canvas tent structure, with a warm heap of wool blankets on top of me, and was lulled into one of the most transformative awakenings of my life. Over the course of one night, I was transported far and wide, and into a realm I never knew existed.

I didn’t go to the Caribbean seeking ayahuasca; it found me. After befriending a medicine woman who introduced me to the two experts, I ended up extending my trip by a week in order to experience the substance for the first time. Though the word ‘ayahuasca’ wasn’t part of my vocabulary before this 2016 experience, I’ve since participated in other ceremonies. I’ll always regard this initial experience as a new starting point of my life. It was the moment that set me along my spiritual path, into a life full of big adventures and endless wells of creativity—and I have the learnings of Indigenous experts with cultural and spiritual connections to ayahuasca to thank for that. The Western world’s recent scientific research on ayahuasca's benefits prove what Indigenous cultures in the Amazon Basin have always known: The plant is a highly powerful, transportive substance that can be used to treat physical and mental ailments, and experiencing it with the help of those practiced in its traditions can expand the mind in ways you might have never thought possible.

I didn’t go to the Caribbean seeking ayahuasca; it found me.

My first ayahuasca experience went something like this: After a shaman cleared my nostrils with rapé—a dried, powdered tobacco snuff that’s shot up participants’ noses with a pipe to begin a ceremony—I drank my first of three cups (the plant is brewed into a tea and ingested). Little did I know, as the bitter, mud-like brew slid its way into my system, that I was about to go on the ride of a lifetime. Over the course of about six hours, I took on a series of forms: a nameless bird; a snake in a pit of other snakes. I even lost all concept of my own appearance—what qualities my face had, from my nose to even the color of my eyes.

I mentally traveled back in time to meet the first ancestor of my entire lineage, who danced in the woods morphing between two forms—that of a wolf and a man—before being suddenly transported to a cave full of drawings I couldn’t decipher but somehow understood. Next, I was whisked away in flight, sweeping across the snowy peaks of the Andes as the mountain range broke apart below me, almost like a game of Tetris. I saw Machu Picchu spinning on an axis of geometric cubes, twisting and turning as what appeared to be Lego-like warriors jumped in and out of the structure. Then, in a moment of engulfing hilarity, I lay in a fetal position completely consumed by laughter.

A ceremonial maloca , a wooden ceremonial structure with a thatched roof, at Mama Yura Healing Art Center in Peru

Curandera Daniela Riojas during a dieta ayahuasca retreat in Pucallpa, Peru

The ayahuasca plant recently became part of a greater movement to decriminalize psychedelics in the United States, which has seen a rise in acceptance of the substance and others like it. Popular shows like Netflix’s  How to Change Your Mind (or any of  Michael Pollan ’s psychedelic-therapy books, upon which that TV series is based) question why many psychedelics were considered Schedule I drugs in the first place (as ayahuasca still is) and examine how they can be used to treat mental illnesses and expand the mind. The substance is also seen by many as a spirituality tool, and according to the  Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life , nearly 27 percent of Americans considered themselves spiritual—not religious—as of 2017. Though there are still many unknowns regarding the full effect of ayahuasca on the human experience, if my own is any indication, the mental and emotional gates this plant can open seem promising. But how does it actually work?

The Indigenous origins of ayahuasca, and how a ceremony works

It’s important to respect the use of the plant, and Indigenous people who have used it for centuries, as the cultural harbingers of its healing qualities. Ayahuasca is considered medicine, and should not be used recreationally or without the supervision of practiced healers who have studied the medicine in countries where it is legal and there is a cultural connection to the substance—such as Peru, where the plant originates. The same is true of Mexico and Colombia.

According to the  Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), ayahuasca's psychoactive properties are most commonly derived from  Banisteriopsis caapi , a vine containing monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and the leaves of  Psychotria viridis, or other plant containing  N,N -dimethyltryptamine (DMT). It’s believed that the DMT found in ayahuasca activates the DMT naturally found in a person’s pineal gland, often considered the third eye portal amongst the spiritual set and Indigenous healers. Many healers and shamanic practitioners believe this leads to the vision quests that ensue after ingesting the brewed version of ayahuasca, and why participating in ceremony is a way to connect deeper to your truest self.

Ayahuasca journeys can range from one-night events to multi-day  dietas , which usually require a participant to refrain from any intense physical stimulants such as sex, alcohol, and rich foods for a period of time. Most ceremonies are held in a  maloca , a wooden ceremonial structure with a thatched roof, and begin at sunset and end the following morning before dawn, lasting around five to six hours. In my experience, a ceremony usually includes fewer than 20 participants and begins with some type of cleansing initiation through the use of tobacco snuff, such as  rapé , or  mapacho . After ingesting the medicinal tea, most participants will experience a purging reaction, which could include vomiting or even a bowel movement. Participants can drink three cups—each about the size of an espresso shot—throughout the night. Shamans and healing elders usually sing  icaros , or prayers through song, to facilitate a sense of calm and tranquility. While some ceremonies observe a practice known as noble silence, many rituals encourage participants to emote as necessary: crying, screaming, and purging included.

While no two ceremonies are the same, an ayahuasca retreat will typically follow a spiritually-similar thread that’s meant to evoke the utmost calm and protection of participants. If you do feel called to take part in a ceremony, it’s important to do your own research to find the right experience for you: I’ve traveled hours into the rainforest for ceremonies and walked away without participating because it didn’t feel right. Your intuition is often your best guide when deciding whether you feel safe with a certain facilitator or not. Here, a trusted selection of healers and retreat centers to consider for your ayahuasca journey.

Editor’s note: All experts below have agreed to be included in this article. All three nations included below legally permit the use of ayahuasca.

Temple of the Way of Light's Maestra Laura picks leaves for a ceremony

Iquitos, Peruvian Amazon

Located about two hours into the rainforest (by car and then boat) from downtown Iquitos, in Peru’s Amazon Basin, the  Temple of the Way of Light is a healing center offering 12-day ayahuasca retreats, with six ayahuasca ceremonies over the course of the experience. In the plant’s region of origin, local Indigenous healers lead the ceremonies at this center’s rainforest setting, many of whom travel by boat from their home communities located further up the Ucayali River—a tributary of the Amazon.

Sarah James

Jamie Spain

CNT Editors

Harrison Pierce

Operating according to Shipibo Indigenous tradition, each ceremony is held by a team of four Onanya (the Shipibo language word meaning a person who has wisdom). Each of them has studied the healing modality for a minimum of ten years to equip them to safely and responsibly deliver ayahuasca healing. During ceremony, the oni (a word that means wisdom in Shipibo, but is used as a synonym for ayahuasca), is served while Shipibo healers sing songs; together, the experience is meant to purge negative, heavy energies from the body, also known as mawa niwe .

Bacalar, Mexico

Hosting multi-day ayahuasca retreats in the lagoon-side town of Bacalar, in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula, is Peruvian-American healer and curator Amalia Moscoso , who brings together medicine men and women, facilitators, and shamans of all backgrounds to create each of her experiences. The retreats also infuse additional healing elements that complement each guest’s medicine journey, from a temazcal sweat-lodge ceremony to  janzu therapies, a water-based healing meditation. Her offerings also include cognitive workshops to assist in mental, emotional, and physical integration and rewiring to create neural pathways in the brain.

Valle del Cauca, Colombia

In the verdant hills outside of Cali, in Colombia’s southwestern bounds, the Colombian healer Taita Edwin leads healing ayahuasca ceremonies at his family’s private farm. During Edwin’s spiritual ceremonies, the medicine, or ayahuasca, is treated as a sacrament, a link to the spiritual realm, with a focus on creating a safe space and allowing people to surrender to their processes with deep compassion, love, and care. Besides an opening and closing prayer, there is no strict structure to the ceremonies. However, each does include two or more sharing circles so that everyone can express themselves, find clarity, and find common ground in the shared experience. More information can be found by  reaching out directly via email .

Pucallpa, Peru

Along the Ucayali River in the town of Pucallpa in the eastern bounds of Peru’s Amazon Rainforest, Indigenous Mexican healer and facilitator  Daniela Riojas leads ayahuasca ceremonies in partnership with the Onanya of the region. After first participating in an ayahuasca ceremony in 2015, Riojas, an artist and musician by trade, began her extensive studies of the plant and its medicine during apprenticeships with master healers that included participating in multi-day  dietas . The ceremonies she facilitates include holding space through icaros , prayers that embody the healing power of the region’s plants and animals. Each experience is held during the night in a ceremonial  maloca to help facilitate each participant’s journey inward.

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Car Rentals
• Airport Transfers
• Attractions & Tours
• Bundle & Save
• Destinations
• Trip.com Rewards

"The Ultimate Bee Gees Experience" ft NY Bee Gees 2024 (Poughkeepsie)

"The Ultimate Bee Gees Experience" featuring NY Bee Gees is set to take place at Bardavon 1869 Opera House on March 24, 2024. The venue, located at 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie, NY, 12601, will come alive with the iconic sounds of the legendary Bee Gees. Fans can expect to groove to timeless hits such as "Stayin' Alive" and "Night Fever" during this unforgettable concert experience. The tickets for "The Ultimate Bee Gees Experience" ft NY Bee Gees will be available for purchase starting from February 9, 2024, at 3:00 PM until March 24, 2024, at 11:30 PM. Don't miss this opportunity to relive the magic of the Bee Gees with a stellar performance by NY Bee Gees. Mark your calendars and get ready to dance the night away at this spectacular event that pays tribute to one of the greatest music acts of all time.

Provided by JezelleSeth | Published Mar 22, 2024

Are you interested in "The Ultimate Bee Gees Experience" ft NY Bee Gees 2024 (Poughkeepsie)?

More contents about poughkeepsie.

• Customer Support
• Service Guarantee
• More Service Info
• Website Feedback
• About Trip.com
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement
• About Trip.com Group

Other Services

• Investor Relations
• Affiliate Program
• List My Property
• Become a Supplier

New this week

Plan a trip with help from local hosts around the world.

Best sellers

Starting in the next 6 hours

Great for groups

Make plans this weekend

small group travel

Make friends. See the world. Ages 21-35.

TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL, WITH A LOCAL

traveler top picks

Sustainable group travel for young adults

‍ What can you expect? To travel differently & support local communities! Discover eco-friendly sustainability practices & see a country authentically as travelers, not tourists.

meet the founders

In 2012, Co-Founders Jared O'Toole & Matt Wilson launched their first trip to Iceland. Since then, we've built a community of thousands of solo travelers. Under30Experiences has been featured in Inc. Magazine, Forbes, & CNN, and has over 1,000 5-star reviews. We're a small team that loves sustainable adventure travel and supporting small businesses around the world.

Quick Links

© 2012-2024 Shadow Concepts LLC. All rights reserved. “Under30Experiences,” “U30X” & all associated proprietary marks are trademarks of Shadow Concepts LLC & its related entities. Other third-party trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service

24 Wellness Experiences to Book in 2024

Posted: March 21, 2024 | Last updated: March 21, 2024

The wellness economy has reached a fever pitch: The Global Wellness Institute predicts that, in 2024, the market for wellness tourism will become a trillion-dollar industry. And truly, the options are endless. Here, we’ve searched the globe for the best of the best when it comes to new wellness experiences, from a once-in-a-lifetime retreat in the Himalayas to a practical center you can integrate into your daily routine in the heart of New York City. Enjoy—and be well.

1) Join The Well

Full-service wellness center The Well is a haven for energy healing, bodywork, skin treatments, and more. Its newly introduced flexible monthly, quarterly, and annual membership options make it easier than ever to integrate wellness into even the busiest of urban routines—and to foster connections and tight-knit community with your fellow namaste’ers.

2) Dive into Psilocybin in Jamaica

CBD is so 2019. The new frontier in potent botanicals is psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms. And at the beloved Rockhouse Hotel & Spa in Negril, you can enjoy a guided meditation and sound bath with an (optional) microdose of Patoo chocolates, which incorporates locally grown psilocybin.

3) Turn Back Time at Corinthia London’s Regenerative Institute

Centrally located just off Trafalgar Square, this decadent London hotel has partnered with two of London’s top plastic surgeons to create the London Regenerative Institute, a spa-within-a-spa concept inside the hotel’s award-winning (and enormous) ESPA Life spa. Guests can meet in a relaxing and deeply chic environment for medical-grade longevity treatments that go a step beyond the typical spa menu, including personalized IVs, stem cell facials, 3D body scans, and more.

4) Sail Through Croatia in Style

Cruising the Dalmatian coastline with mindful activities to invigorate body and soul? Yes, please. Sail Croatia’s new itineraries integrate plenty of yoga and relaxation with optional excursions like cycling, guided hikes, and wine tastings.

5) Escape to a Private Island

There is zero shortage of beautiful spas (or private islands) in the Maldives, but the new Wellbeing Village at Velaa Private Island feels a cut above the rest, offering a robust menu of services that are difficult to find anywhere, even when you aren’t in the middle of the Indian Ocean. The entirely bespoke treatments focus on the three core pillars of medicine, osteopathy, and Ayurveda, ranging from mindfulness breath work to Pizhichil oil baths.

6) Sleep Well in the Desert

If practicing the art of shut-eye is your idea of a good 2024, consider a trip to historic Castle Hot Springs, Arizona’s iconic desert spa oasis, which has long played host to the Hollywood elite. A series of three-night sleep retreats led by Dr. Rebecca Robbins include discussions, meditations, and personalized strategies to make 2024 your most restful year yet.

7) Save During Bermuda Spa Month

You can fly to Bermuda faster than it takes to drive to the Hamptons most weekends, and February Spa Month makes a compelling case for visiting in the off-season: Many of the island’s top spas offer 50 percent off select treatments.

8) Simmer in the Catskills’ Hot New Spa

Buzzy upstate resort Inness will add a spa this spring, featuring an outdoor covered sauna deck with radiant heated floors, hot and cold plunges, and an emphasis on organic products.

9) See a Different Side of Miami Beach

Since the pandemic, Carillon Miami Wellness Resort has been beefing up its menu with more tech-forward and touchless experiences, including BioCharger NG ; vibroacoustic, electromagnetic and infrared therapy ; halotherapy ; and more. This is a must-visit if you’re a tech-loving wellness buff looking for an enviable Instagram of yourself festooned in the latest wellness gadgets and gizmos.

10) Visit Any Auberge Resort

Cuisine and experiences have always been front of mind at Auberge Resorts (which include The Vanderbilt in Newport, Rhode Island; Stanly Ranch in Napa Valley; Hotel Jerome in Aspen; and more). Still, it feels like the brand is really stepping up its wellness programming this year: Esperanza in Los Cabos, Mexico, just opened a revamped spa. The Lodge at Blue Sky in Park City, Utah, just unveiled a new “Edge Sanctuary” space offering programming with a Wim Hof-accredited expert, “energy journeys,” and sacred plant ceremonies. And European-based fitness craze Sanctum will provide retreats across a number of Auberge properties throughout 2024.

11) Vibrate in Ojai, California

Partake in spa treatments at the newly refreshed Spa Ojai and Spa Penthouse Suites at the gorgeous Ojai Valley Inn . Resident healer and psychic Nancy Furst leads the way with cleansing sage rituals, meditative journeys through drumming and Native American prayer song, and psychic readings utilizing crystals.

12) Hang Ten at a Luxe New Hotel in Nosara

Introducing Silvestre Nosara , the wellness-meets-surfing luxury hotel of your dreams. With just nine grand residences (some up to 2,000 square feet) and cold plunges and saunas in most rooms, there’s plenty of space to stretch out and relax.

13) Head to Healdsburg, California, for the Wellness (and the Wine)

People might know Healdsburg in Sonoma County for its incredible food and wine scene (it’s home to such Michelin-starred restaurants as chef Charlie Palmer’s Dry Creek Kitchen and SingleThread Farm, a Relais & Châteaux), but you can flock here for the spa treatments and outdoors experiences, too. Book a positively warm and goopy Harvest Honey Ginger Infusion Ritual at the Montage Healdsburg, where you’ll be cocooned in local honey. Or reach out to certified nature therapy guide Jenny Harrow-Keeler to arrange one of her transformative forest bathing sessions—she offers them in a number of select local wineries, so you can wander through the vineyards as you take in all the sights and sounds of this beautiful landscape.

14) Learn About Ayurveda in Sri Lanka

Where the leopards lounge and the jungle meets the sea… doesn’t that sound divine? Check out the environmentally conscious new Kotiyagala Luxury Villas nestled in Sri Lanka’s Yala National Park. Each villa includes a private swimming pool, and guests have access to an Ayurveda Spa and yoga sessions for ultimate relaxation.

15) Party Hard and Recover Harder in Ibiza

There’s a misconception that Ibiza is all about what the locals gently refer to as “celebration.” In fact, this island is actually home to a number of really fascinating wellness hubs: one of its outlying islands, Es Vedrá, is one of the most magnetic places on earth; there’s a beautiful regenerative farming movement happening here; and new resorts like the Six Senses Ibiza are leading the way with a full lineup of retreats, wellness programming, and the groundbreaking RoseBar longevity center.

16) Experience Joanna Czech in...Tennessee?

In 2023, acclaimed Relais & Chateaux resort Blackberry Mountain in Walland, Tennessee, became the first Joanna Czech-certified spa in the U.S. with a “Joanna Czech Method Enhanced LED Facial,” an 80-minute treatment customized with microcurrents, cryotherapy, oxygen infusions, serums, masks, and more.

17) Visit the Emerald Isle

The 163-acre Liss Ard Estate, a gorgeous Georgian mansion that recently joined Relais & Châteaux, just completed a stylish renovation. The property is home to a James Turrell crater garden that’s perfect for wandering on those chilly Irish mornings, as well as a Lakeside Wellness Center where yoga, tea ceremonies, acupuncture, and more are offered.

18) Get Inspired in the Hamptons

It’s difficult to beat the tranquil environment of Shou Sugi Ban House, the only spa hotel of its kind on Long Island. This January, they’re doing an inspirational “Claim Your Confidence Retreat” with renowned auctioneer Lydia Fenet.

19) Visit the Givenchy Spa

Finding yourself on the Riviera in 2024? Hop over to the painfully chic Spa Metropole by Givenchy at the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo , one of only three Givenchy spas worldwide. New to the menu is an exclusive Givenchy Skin Perfecto treatment, a 90-minute experience including a pink quartz gua sha massage to reveal your skin’s natural glow.

20) Ski (and Après-Ski) Your Way to Wellbeing

The elegant new Six Senses in Crans-Montana, a ski resort in Switzerland, will offer a Ski and Yoga retreat this March with guided yoga and ski runs with world slalom champion Giorgio Rocca. Get an entire year’s worth of leg days in one trip.

21) Venture to the Himalayas

Set in the magical foothills of the Himalayas in northern India, Ananda in the Himalayas is widely considered the world’s most renowned holistic wellness retreat. They just concluded a three-year glow-up of the property—so if you’re looking to run into a prince at your morning vinyasa, this is where to do it.

22) Celebrate Leadership in Greece

The Greek Isles? Tired. The Peloponnese? Wired. Travel insiders are buzzing about the Greek mainland, and the Euphoria Retreat is perfectly situated to take in all the magic and energy of this landscape. This March, the resort’s founder is hosting a four-day retreat on women’s leadership to explore new archetypes of leadership for today’s world.

23) Coachella? More Like Spa-chella

Since it opened in late 2022, the Sensei Porcupine Creek has brought a new wave of wellness tourism to the Coachella Valley. The Japanese-meets-Californian aesthetic is undeniably fresh, and the science-backed approach to personalized wellness programs is, we think, the future of wellness tourism. Their popular five-night Rest & Recovery program includes a WHOOP wearable tech bracelet to measure your biomarkers, so that your Sensei Guide can create a targeted, data-driven plan just for you.

24) Unwind Upstate

If you thought “all-inclusives” were limited to boozy, buffet-heavy Caribbean beach resorts, then think again—the brand-new Hemlock Neversink brings a profoundly relaxing, contemporary experience to the Catskills. Your all-inclusive rate includes healthy plant-forward meals, workshops, meditation and yoga classes, and a dedicated Experience Guide to help you create the perfect itinerary. You’ll need help navigating it all: There are over 230 acres of grounds to explore, complete with wildflower meadows, private trails, and even some resident goats. Check-in, then let your mind check out.

More for You

Lauren Boebert Hit With Brutal Fact Check

Ex-Prosecutor Stunned By Trump's New Legal Claim: 'Doesn't Make Any Sense At All'

"We didn't check Larry Bird" - Red Auerbach believed Len Bias' drug use was a one-time occurrence

I'm abrosexual - it took me 30 years to realise

Former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste dies by suicide, reports say

'Ozempic babies' are surprising women taking weight loss drugs. Doctors think they know why.

AOC takes heat over 'RICO is not a crime' comment in Biden impeachment probe hearing

Donald Trump's Running Out of Time to Sell Mar-a-Lago

Kyle Rittenhouse Abandons Q&A After Being Confronted About Organizer's Racist Remarks

Dollar Tree is closing 1,000 stores. Here's where they are located.

Ghost Army members who deceived Nazis with battlefield ruses in WWII given Congressional Gold Medal

US shipping tycoon drunk when she drowned in Tesla

Biden judicial pick imperiled after Manchin becomes second Democrat to oppose nomination

Donald Trump to make $3.4bn if shareholders back plan to float Trump Media

Pope expels disgraced former bishop, says Belgian church

Popular food and grocery brand files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Jared Kushner Subpoena Over Saudi Deal Stopped by House Republicans

How much did Shohei Ohtani's interpreter earn before being fired?

Ala. mayor silent as anti-DEI bill signed after saying he’d advise Black athletes to go elsewhere if it passed

Trump Wants To Rule America Like Kim Jong Un, Says Former National Security Advisor

Protect Your Trip »

The 12 best dude ranch vacations for 2024.

Saddle up and hit the trail during your next getaway to the Great American West.

The Best Dude Ranch Vacations

Buffalo Media Group | Courtesy of Drowsy Water Ranch

Riding horses is just one of many activities you can enjoy on your next dude ranch adventure.

For fresh air and wide-open spaces – and one of the best-kept secrets for a family vacation in the U.S. – consider booking your next vacation at a Western dude ranch. It's a life-changing experience to spend time outdoors for days surrounded by gorgeous scenery, ride horses up into the mountains and gather around a communal table with others for meals. The days spent at a dude ranch are reminiscent of a bygone time, offering the perfect getaway to disconnect from the stress of everyday life and reconnect with family and friends. A dude ranch vacation also provides time to reflect and find balance, especially on a solo journey .

If you're ready for a Western experience you won't soon forget, grab your boots and hat, embrace your inner cowboy or cowgirl, and giddy up as fast as you can to one of these top dude ranches in the U.S.

Alisal Ranch: Solvang, California

Courtesy of Alisal Ranch

Situated on an expansive 10,500 acres with the backdrop of the Santa Ynez Mountains, this family-owned luxury dude ranch began welcoming guests when the property opened in 1946. Alisal Ranch features 73 private Western-themed cottages ranging in size from studio guest rooms to a three-bedroom home that accommodates a maximum of 12 people. The property also maintains more than 100 horses trained to ride with experts and beginners – and they offer corral lessons, barrel racing, a seasonal rodeo and hay wagon rides.

Guests can also enjoy other outdoor activities, including fishing, canoeing and kayaking on the 100-acre spring-fed lake. On shore, there's something for everyone in the family: lawn games, pickleball, tennis, e-bike excursions, arts and crafts, a scavenger hunt, a petting zoo, ax throwing and other activities. In the evenings in the summer, feast on traditional Santa Maria-style barbecue, tell stories around a crackling campfire, join in a line dance and then stargaze under the clear dark sky. Nightly rates are mostly all-inclusive with some activities at an additional cost, such as spa services, horseback riding, golf, pickleball and tennis clinics and others. The ranch also offers a variety of packages throughout the year.

Address: 1054 Alisal Road, Solvang, CA 93463

Read: The Top Dark Sky Parks in the U.S.

C Lazy U Ranch: Granby, Colorado

Courtesy of C Lazy U Ranch

The family-owned C Lazy U Ranch has welcomed guests to its year-round luxury Western getaway for nearly 100 years. Located 90 miles northwest of Denver , the 8,500-acre property is easily accessible yet still secluded in the Colorado mountains. Guests here will be treated to gracious Western hospitality. The ranch offers elegant cabin accommodations and a multibedroom home; most feature stone fireplaces and Western-inspired decor.

With a herd of around 200 horses, beginners and advanced riders will surely find the best match for their stay. The ranch also offers horse showmanship clinics, cattle pushing lessons, trap shooting, guided hiking, mountain biking, tours of nearby Rocky Mountain National Park , Orvis-endorsed fly-fishing and other outdoor activities. In the winter months, feed the horses with the Feed Wagon Sleigh, go ice skating or play ice hockey, and take a horseback or sleigh ride through the snow. More outdoor winter fun options include snow tubing, cross-country skiing , snowshoeing and snowmobiling. The property also offers a robust program for children and teens.

After you've had your cowboy coffee, be sure to head outdoors for the morning "Jingle," where the wranglers round up the horses in the pasture to bring them onto the ranch for the day. You can also watch as the thundering herd of horses heads back out to pasture before the sunset in the evening. The Jingle takes place nearly every day throughout the year. All-inclusive rates at C Lazy U Ranch cover lodging, fine dining meals and most activities. The ranch also has special packages around the holidays and adults-only getaways, and it hosts special events and retreats.

Address: 3640 Colorado state Highway 125, Granby, CO 80446

Read: The Top Things to Do in Colorado

White Stallion Ranch: Tucson, Arizona

Courtesy of White Stallion Ranch

The proprietors of this 3,000-acre dude ranch in Tucson have owned the property since 1965 – and there are seven full-time family members involved with every aspect of the guest experience and the working ranch. White Stallion features 43 guest rooms throughout the property and one four-bedroom home perfect for larger families or small groups. If the property looks familiar, White Stallion was the filming location for many Western feature films and television series, including "High Chapparal" (1967-72) and "How the West Was Won" (1977).

The ranch offers different plans, depending on how long you want to stay and how active you or your family want to be. The Full American Plan includes lodging, three meals a day, evening entertainment, horseback riding, complimentary Wi-Fi and airport transfers; you can add activities as desired for an additional fee. For the more adventurous guest, the Outdoor Adventure Package (with a four- or six-night minimum stay, depending on the time of year) includes rock climbing, range shooting, fat tire e-biking and archery. The ranch also offers special packages, promotions, retreats and workshops during the year.

Address: 9251 W. Twin Peaks Road, Tucson, AZ 85743

Read: The Top Things to Do in Arizona

The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch: Shell, Wyoming

Courtesy of The Hideout Lodge & Guest Ranch

This all-inclusive, upscale and intimate riding ranch sits about 70 miles east of Cody, Wyoming, in the Bighorn Mountains – and boasts nearly 650,000 acres of stunning landscapes to explore at elevations between 4,200 to 13,100 feet. The owners are very hands-on with guests, hosting just 25 people a week for a six-night stay in a choice of Western-style log cabins with a loft, one- and two-bedroom casitas, or a luxury home with two master suites.

The Hideout is very focused on riding, horses and horsemanship, which includes team penning and working with cattle. It's a working cattle ranch, and its herd of horses includes quarter horses and mustangs that have been adopted through horse adoption programs with the Bureau of Land Management. Daily rides take place on different trailheads and varying terrain as the owners have eight trucks and trailers to load up the horses and reach more remote areas surrounding the ranch. For guests interested in horsemanship, the property offers clinics and retreats, stockmanship and cattle work, and other educational experiences.

There are also other activities travelers can enjoy, including seasonal fly-fishing, trap shooting, archery, scenic off-roading and four-wheel-drive tours, hiking and mountain biking, and swimming in a pool with a view. Guests visiting from June 1 through Aug. 31 can also attend the Cody Stampede Rodeo and Cody Nite Rodeo in Cody, the "Rodeo Capital of the World." Rates at The Hideout include lodging, meals, cocktail hours, Friday night cookouts and on-ranch activities. You can even reserve the entire ranch in the off-season for a special event, family reunion or other occasion.

Address: 3170 County Road 40 1/2, Shell, WY 82441

The Western Pleasure Guest Ranch: Sandpoint, Idaho

Courtesy of The Western Pleasure Guest Ranch

Located in Idaho's Panhandle, this cattle and guest ranch sits on land that's been in the same family since 1940. The experience and offerings at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch vary depending on the season, and guests can choose between lodge rooms or cabin accommodations. The all-inclusive adventure vacation in the summer includes lodging, three country gourmet meals a day, daily horseback rides and all on-site amenities, as well as evening entertainment such as Dutch oven cookouts, campfires and horse-drawn carriage rides.

There's an educational program for young wranglers ages 8 to 18 focused on horse husbandry skills and equipment care. At the end of the program there's a horse show, where participants are awarded trophies and ribbons. Bed-and-breakfast stays are available from October to May in the lodge and feature a hearty breakfast each morning. Horseback riding is offered during these getaways in the spring and fall. In the winter, head out for an invigorating sleigh ride in a snow-covered winter wonderland.

Address: 1413 Upper Gold Creek Road, Sandpoint, ID 83864

Bar W Guest Ranch: Whitefish, Montana

Courtesy of Bar W Guest Ranch

Located 30 miles southwest of Glacier National Park and nestled in the scenic Flathead Valley along Spencer Lake in Whitefish, this family-owned ranch hosts guests in accommodations ranging from rooms in the original main lodge and cabins to glamping tents and covered wagons. The packages at the Bar W Guest Ranch are for a six-night stay, with rates including all meals, guided trail rides, horsemanship lessons, cattle working, and all ranch activities and facilities. Some packages are for more advanced wranglers, while the Ranch Package is designed for guests who will not be riding a horse during their stay, but the rate covers all meals and other ranch activities.

During your visit, you can go boating or fishing on Spencer Lake, hike into the wilderness areas around the property, play lawn games, take up archery or even learn the skill of hatchet throwing. When the sun goes down, ranch guests will enjoy nighttime activities like line dancing and sitting around the campfire while listening to the cowboys sing. You can also go off-site by shuttle ride to attend the Brash Rodeo in Columbia Falls, just a short drive from the property. The ranch hosts special adults-only weeks from mid-May to the beginning of November and the Western Cattle Drive four times a year between June and September.

Address: 2875 U.S. Route 93 W., Whitefish, MT 59937

Read: The Top Things to Do in Montana

Drowsy Water Ranch: Granby, Colorado

This 700-acre family-owned and -operated ranch has been offering guests an authentic Western dude ranch experience for more than 90 years. Drowsy Water Ranch is open from the beginning of June to mid-September and features six-night, all-inclusive packages that range in price based on the guest's age. The rates include meals and lodging, in addition to instruction-based horseback riding and programs, evening entertainment, a full-day float trip on the Colorado River, guided hikes, mountain biking, hayrides and other Western-themed activities.

Guests will find plenty to keep them busy from sunup to sundown on the weekly calendar of activities and events. There are also special programs grouped by age for the younger cowpokes and cowgirls, which include ranch-based activities like horse brushing and horseback riding as well as other fun adventures like zip lining, archery, swimming and more.

Address: 1454 County Road 219, Granby, CO 80446

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Tanque Verde Ranch: Tucson, Arizona

Courtesy of Tanque Verde Ranch 2019

This historic property dating back to 1868 sits on 60,000 acres of desert with 640 acres bordered by Saguaro National Park and Coronado National Forest. The 69 distinct luxury accommodations at Tanque Verde Ranch feature traditional Southwestern architecture and design and offer views of the surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape and the Rincon and Santa Catalina mountains.

The ranch has three types of packages: the All-Inclusive Getaway, 3 Squares and a Bed, or Rise and Dine plan. The all-inclusive package option covers lodging, three meals a day, horseback rides and lessons, a supervised children's program for ages 4 to 11, breakfast rides and cowboy cookouts, evening entertainment, and many other outdoor activities and amenities. The 3 Squares and a Bed package also includes lodging, meals and on-site amenities like the pools, fitness center and sports courts, but most activities cost extra.

The Rise and Dine package at Tanque Verde Ranch is another option if you just want a place to lay your head down at night (and hang your hat) after a long day on the ranch. This plan includes lodging and access to on-site amenities. You can add horseback riding, guided hikes, spa treatments, a la carte meals and other activities at an additional cost. Tanque Verde also has the Fall Break package, which offers a 10% discount on two different packages for three or more evenings if you book your stay for certain fall dates.

Address: 14301 E. Speedway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85748

Rainbow Trout Ranch: Antonito, Colorado

An authentic Wild West adventure awaits during a summer vacation at Rainbow Trout Ranch. Situated at 9,000 feet elevation in the remote Conejos River Valley in the Colorado Rockies, less than 12 miles north of the New Mexico border, this dude ranch offers guests a step back in time to the days of the Old West. The accommodations at the property are two- or three-bedroom rustic log cabins. At the convivial historic Grand Lodge, guests can relax by the fireplace, chat with new friends, or grab a beverage and a snack. The family-owned and -operated ranch hosts six-night vacation getaways that begin with meet-and-greet Sundays and continue with fun-filled days for adults and children of all ages throughout the week.

Activities include horsemanship and horseback riding, cookouts by the river, special programs for the Buckaroos (children ages 3 to 5) and the Cowpokes (ages 6 to 11), sunrise hikes, river rafting, trap shooting, fishing, hayrides and much more. The Friday afternoon rodeo gives all the guests a chance to saddle up and show off their newly learned skills at the barrels and poles. After the festivities, everyone heads down to the river for the last evening's steak dinner and singalong before saying their farewells or "Happy trails!" in the morning. All-inclusive rates cover cabin accommodations, all meals and all on-site activities. While at Rainbow Trout, don't miss taking the 64-mile ride on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, America's longest and highest narrow-gauge railroad.

Address: 1484 Forest Service Road 250, Antonito, CO 81120

Red Horse Mountain Ranch: Harrison, Idaho

Situated approximately 30 miles south of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, this all-inclusive dude ranch offers weeklong vacations for up to 60 guests from May through October. The property encompasses 560 deeded acres and more than 300,000 acres of outfitter area for a wide range of outdoor activities. Accommodations range from one-bedroom lodge suites to four-bedroom log cabins. In addition to lodging, rates include chef-prepared meals; complimentary wine, beer and spirits for adults; horseback riding; outdoor guided adventures such as sporting clays and fly-fishing; non-guided activities like horseshoes and lawn games; evening entertainment; Wi-Fi; and other amenities.

Red Horse Mountain Ranch also hosts a Singles and Solos Week, Adult Weeks and a Women-Only Week. The Kids Program is made for children ages 3 to 10 during the summer Family Vacations Weeks; it offers plenty of ranch-style fun with activities under the guidance of the ranch's wranglers. For a large family or multigenerational trip, consider reserving the 2,800-square-foot Hilltop Home, which is equipped with a master king bedroom, a queen bedroom and two additional king-bedded rooms. The Hilltop has plenty of living space, incredible views, and a private deck and hot tub.

Address: 11077 E. Blue Lake Road, Harrison, Idaho 83833

Brush Creek Ranch: Saratoga, Wyoming

Courtesy of Brush Creek Ranch

Brush Creek Ranch is a luxury all-inclusive getaway destination, situated on 30,000 acres between the Sierra Madre mountain range and Medicine Bow National Forest in south-central Wyoming. The property is also a working cattle ranch, so guests will experience the genuine spirit of the West with trail rides, kids cookouts, cattle drives and barrel racing.

Visitors can also partake in epicurean adventures, wine tastings, cooking classes, spa treatments, forest bathing meditation, wellness experiences, fly-fishing, guided ranger tours, ATV rides, ropes courses, llama hikes and much more. The ranch even offers goat yoga – yes, yoga classes with baby goats. In the winter, go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing and snowboarding, or ice fishing. In addition, Brush Creek Ranch offers special programs for young wranglers 4 to 9 that include horseback riding and outdoor exploration.

For accommodations, guests can choose either one of 25 private log cabins with up to four bedrooms or stay in one of the 19 Western-themed lodge rooms at Brush Creek Ranch . The property offers several packages that offer deals such as a complimentary fourth night or romantic amenities. Rates at this dude ranch include lodging, daily gourmet meals, adventure activities and gear, the Lil' Wranglers kids program, and other amenities. Spa treatments and select activities are an additional cost.

Address: 66 Brush Creek Ranch Road, Saratoga, WY 82331

The Ranch at Rock Creek: Philipsburg, Montana

Courtesy of The Ranch at Rock Creek

The 6,600-acre Ranch at Rock Creek offers a luxury ranch experience 20 miles from the historic town of Philipsburg, Montana. The property is nestled at 5,200 feet in elevation around halfway between Yellowstone and Glacier national parks. This dude ranch-inspired Relais & Châteaux property is open year-round and offers as many as 36 outdoor adventures. In addition, The Ranch features frontier-to-table cuisine, a full-service spa, private yoga instruction and other upscale amenities. The homestead also sits on land that offers access to national forest and wilderness areas and is home to local wildlife such as big horn sheep, elk, deer and moose.

There are four distinct types of lodging at The Ranch, including rooms at The Granite Lodge or Homestead Barn, private homes and cabins, and luxury glamping canvas cabins. All-inclusive pricing includes lodging, meals, airport transfers, a social hour and evening entertainment in the Silver Dollar Saloon, where guests can go bowling, play table tennis, watch a show in the private movie theater and more. Fun daytime activities include float trips, sporting clays, fly-fishing, mountain excursions, snow sports in the winter months and a weekly ranch rodeo in the summer.

Address: 79 Carriage House Lane, Philipsburg, MT 59858

Frequently Asked Questions

The origin of the dude ranch vacation is a fascinating story. Back in the late 1800s and early 1900s, "dude" was the name given to "big-shot city slickers" by Western cattle ranchers (or cowboys). When these "dudes" left their big cities to head out West, ranchers would host them on a complimentary basis at their guest or dude ranches. In fact, offering to pay a rancher for their hospitality was considered an insult.

The first known dude ranch, Custer Trail Ranch, was started by several brothers in the 1880s in the Dakota Badlands. After President Theodore Roosevelt visited the Eaton brothers' property, the word spread about this Western cowboy life with horseback riding, hunting and fishing. Roosevelt even purchased a ranch nearby, known as the Maltese Cross Ranch. Eventually, ranchers had to charge a small fee to host their guests after experiencing a series of hardships – and realizing just how much it was costing them to entertain these East Coast city slickers.

In 1926, the ranchers partnered with the Northern Pacific Railway and formed the Dude Ranchers' Association to market the dude ranch experience and supplement their incomes. The organization was founded on six core principles (the 6 H's) of dude ranching. Those principles are still at the center of the DRA today: horses, hats, hospitality, heritage, honesty and heart.

Today, dude ranches still offer guests the romanticism and spirit of the American West with family-friendly programs perfect for multigenerational families. But there are different types of ranches, depending on the type of "dude" you are.

Some guest ranches are small, family-owned and -operated properties, but there are also larger, corporate-owned ranches – and not every property is open year-round. Some destinations allow guests to book short-term getaways of just a few nights, while others only offer six-night weekly programs where everyone stays for the entire week, forming a camaraderie among the group. If you're into horsemanship and riding, some ranches will pair you with one of their horses for your entire stay.

One feature that most ranches have in common is all-inclusive pricing with lodging, meals and most ranch activities, but that may not include extras like alcoholic beverages, additional excursions, clinics, spa treatments and other amenities. Pricing can range from as low as hundreds of dollars per person per night to rates in the thousands of dollars for five-star luxury properties.

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi is an avid traveler who has visited the American West many times. She continues to return to this region of the U.S. for its astounding natural beauty, endless adventure and wide-open spaces. She used extensive research and her personal experience at a Western dude ranch to write this article. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• The Best All-Inclusive Family Resorts in the World
• The Best National Parks in the U.S.
• The Top Carry-on Backpacks
• The Top Carry-on Luggage

Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S.

Tags: Travel , Hotels and Resorts , US Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best washington, d.c. tours.

Kim Foley MacKinnon March 20, 2024

The Top Amusement Parks in the U.S.

Holly Johnson and Sharael Kolberg March 19, 2024

Spookiest Savannah Ghost Tours

Gwen Pratesi March 19, 2024

The Best Vegas Shows

Rachael Hood March 19, 2024

The Best Gettysburg Tours of 2024

Amanda Norcross March 18, 2024

Alaska Cruise Cost

Gwen Pratesi March 15, 2024

Spooky Charleston Ghost Tours

Holly Johnson March 15, 2024

The 15 Best Boston Tours

Kim Foley MacKinnon March 14, 2024

The Best Beach Wagons

Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross March 13, 2024

Best New Orleans Cemetery Tours

Holly Johnson and Ann Henson March 13, 2024

• Share full article

You Haven’t Seen Blue Until You’ve Seen San Andres

The island, close to Nicaragua but part of Colombia, boasts waters in seven shades of the color. Counting them — from a boat, from a cay, from the shade of a coconut tree — is a meditative experience.

The attractions on San Andres include the tiny islands known as cays. Johnny Cay, which sits across the water from the more populated northern part of San Andres, looks like the dictionary entry for “deserted island.” Credit... Toh Gouttenoire for The New York Times

Supported by

By Shannon Sims

• March 11, 2024

On San Andres, a small Colombian island in an archipelago off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, counting the blues in the famous “Sea of Seven Colors” is on every visitor’s to-do list. It’s a midday activity done en route as you cruise among the cays, or keys, dotting San Andres’s eastern side: low-lying (mostly) uninhabited specks that aren’t much more than coral topped with palm trees and circled by sandbars.

From my bobbing perch, I counted six: a deep sapphire, a dusky azure, stripes of teal, turquoise and cerulean and, in the distance, a swath of brilliant cyan against the edge of a tiny, palm-fringed island.

“Do you see seven?” the boat’s captain asked.

When I told him my tally, he laughed. “Six?” he said. “That means you can still relax a little more.”

San Andres is not on the radar of many U.S. travelers, but in Latin America, and especially among Colombians, it is a coveted honeymoon destination or a long-weekend retreat — a spot in the middle of the ocean to disconnect from whatever weighed you down on the mainland.

Connecting with history

The archipelago of San Andres and Providencia is more than 400 miles north of the mainland of Colombia, and closer to 100 miles east of Nicaragua, but thanks to a historical wrinkle that is still being ironed out, it is part of Colombia.

Kent Francis James, 73, was the archipelago’s governor during the 1990s and advised the current local and national government on boundary issues with Nicaragua. But his passion, he said when I met him on San Andres, is helping tourists connect more deeply with the island’s history.

“We want you to come here not just to get your skin burned, but to bring home a better understanding of Caribbean history,” he said, as we sat on his home’s balcony and enjoyed the view of the water in the distance, framed by bougainvillea and palm trees.

Mr. James scanned the horizon and pointed out the shipwrecks that litter the island’s waters. “We were geographically on the route of the Spanish going up the coast with gold, so this is the place the pirates used to be on watch,” he explained, describing how voyagers often underestimated the shallow waters surrounding the islands’ many cays and ran aground — to the delight of pirates like the Welsh-born Sir Henry Morgan, who is believed to have used San Andres as a base of operations.

We were technically in Colombia, but Mr. James spoke in clipped English — his accent itself a nod to the island’s history.

Although it is believed that the Dutch and Christopher Columbus landed on the archipelago, it was the British who settled San Andres around 1630. English was the island’s first language, and still today it’s spoken by the native islanders.

Unlike most places in Latin America, San Andres has no record of Indigenous peoples on the island. It was seemingly uninhabited when the Europeans arrived. And that’s why when locals refer to “native” islanders, they are referring to the descendants of the original British settlers or, more frequently, the descendants of the once-enslaved Africans those settlers brought over.

This Afro-Caribbean ethnic group is called Raizal, a takeoff of the Spanish word for “roots.”

Posadas Nativas

Cleotilde Henry, 75, is one of the island’s Raizal leaders. Her family traces back to the African slave trade, she explained, as she set out crunchy slices of fried breadfruit and balls of sweet coconut on her dining room table. She didn’t make the treats just for me — she sets them out every day for the tourists who rent rooms in the upstairs of her home through the island’s posadas nativas , or native inns program.

“I was born in this house,” she said, pointing around the small living room to yellowed family portraits in wooden frames and crocheted table coverings. “So when I thought about what I could do to make money from tourism, the only thing I had was this house.”

Today Ms. Henry, who is also the president of the archipelago’s Posadas Nativas Association , rents 12 rooms, which can be found under the name “ Cli’s Place ” on travel-booking websites like Booking.com.

Across the archipelago, around 200 homes have been designated “posadas nativas,” offering an opportunity for tourists to stay with a local family — usually under the watchful eye of the matriarch — in their home, and to eat local, Raizal foods.

It’s the local solution to a universal challenge: how to retain the unique identity of a place when tourism starts booming. Less than 20 years ago, Raizal people accounted for 57 percent of the population of San Andres, but each year that number gets smaller, as Colombians from the mainland are lured to the blue waters of island life.

A bikini and a golf cart

Although the beaches of San Andres are not among the most beautiful in the world, the water a short distance offshore is, thanks to the sunken reefs, and so many visitors skip exploring the interior of the island in favor of getting wet.

Each cay differs from the next. Johnny Cay, which sits across the water from the more populated northern part of San Andres, looks like the dictionary entry for “deserted island”: a clump of palm trees ringed by white sand. Rocky Cay is not much more than its namesake rock, with a lean-to beach bar and a rusty shipwreck sticking out of the water beside it. You reach Haynes Cay by wading through waist-deep water, holding a wobbly rope connecting the cay to a no-frills restaurant built on a sandbar. A typical day vacationing in San Andres includes bopping among the cays, pausing to doze against their palm trees or swim in the water around them, and, along the way, counting blues.

Like the pirates of the past, today’s snorkelers and scuba divers are delighted by the sunken ships dotting the waters, as they get to explore the underwater ecosystems created by those wrecks. In 2000, the U.N. Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization established the massive Seaflower Biosphere Reserve , a vast protected marine area surrounding the islands.

“It’s like a mountain range under the water here, and that’s why we have deep spots but also these sandbars and cays,” explained Jorge Sanchez, 68, a former dive instructor on the island who invited me to his home one afternoon to view topological maps of the area’s ocean floor. Waving his hand across one map, he added, “The ocean species don’t know where the border is between Colombia and Nicaragua, so this is a great place to see all kinds of animals from different places.”

Even if you don’t enjoy the waves, San Andres is a gorgeous setting to enjoy the seven shades of blue from afar. And the not-too-steep hills and smooth-enough roads mean that the breeziest, most fun way to do that is by renting a mule (pronounced moo-LAY), a little golf cart, the typical way visitors get around the island.

I’d never driven a golf cart any significant distance, so when Ms. Henry suggested that I put on my bathing suit and take one around the island, I balked. But about an hour later, I was smiling like a fool, the ocean wind blowing back my hair as I chugged down the road ringing the coast at about 25 m.p.h., with motorcycles zipping around me. I cruised past the cays, hopping in the water when it called to me, making my way down to the island’s less populated southern end. I stopped for lunch at the Raizal restaurant Miss Janice Place for fried fish and coconut rice.

On the way back, I planned to swing by Mr. James’s house, to tell him about my day. Without a good cell signal on the island, the only way I could do this was by popping in, so I headed toward his place, until the chugs of my mule became less frequent, and I finally realized the engine had shut off. My trusty mule was sliding backward down the hill. I slammed on the brake, slowing the slide, but couldn’t get the engine to turn over again. Fortunately, some utility workers witnessed the scene, suppressed their laughter and came to my rescue. They improvised a solution and hauled the golf cart to the top of the hill using long wires. I told them I was visiting Mr. James, and one of the workers turned and shouted over a wall of bushes — “Mister Kent! We found an American!”

Grinning, Mr. James emerged from his property to greet me, and as I waved a thank you to my utility-worker heroes, he explained he wasn’t surprised to see me.

“Because a tourist can spend their days on the beach, and fill their stomach with our food and rum, and then go home and never return,” he said. “But once you start to talk to locals about our history, you will always want to come back.”

Gustavo Rojas Pinilla International Airport has direct connections to Panama City, Panama, and multiple cities in Colombia, and from San Andres it’s possible to get a flight to the neighboring island of Providencia.

Once on the island, the best way to get around is either by taxi, easily found in downtown San Andres or arranged in advance, or by mule , which can be rented for around 200,000 Colombian pesos, or about $51, per day.

Staying at a posada nativa, or locally owned inn, is the maximum immersion experience on the island, and often will be the most affordable lodging option; expect to pay about 235,000 Colombian pesos a night with breakfast. Cli’s Place Posada Nativa , Posada Nativa Licy and Miss Trinie’s Posada Nativa are some of the most popular.

For a more upscale experience, Decameron operates many hotels on the island, including the Decameron Isleno at Spratt Bight beach, a centrally located, all-inclusive option for about one million Colombian pesos per night. Hotel Casablanca offers rooms with a view of Johnny Cay for about 1.1 million Colombian pesos per night. Short-term rental options are also available through Airbnb. Many are within condominium developments and have amenities like pools, doormen and gyms.

Niko’s Seafood is a midrange restaurant near the center of San Andres serving fresh-caught fish cooked for around 50,000 Colombian pesos.

La Regatta is perhaps the fanciest restaurant in San Andres, specializing in seafood like ceviche for 75,000 Colombian pesos a or grilled lobster with coconut rice (215,000 Colombian pesos) served on a patio over the water near central San Andres. Reservations required, request the patio.

Miss Janice Place on the southern end of San Andres in San Luis offers typical Raizal food for 40,000 Colombian pesos for mains accompanied by coconut rice and jars of natural fruit juice.

Namasté Beach Club San Andres is near Rocky Cay with chic lounge chairs and a menu ranging from beach snacks like empanadas (around 30,000 Colombian pesos) to proper dinner like fried local fish (50,000 Colombian pesos).

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

Italy :  Spend 36 hours in Florence , seeking out its lesser-known pockets.

Southern California :  Skip the freeways to explore the back roads between Los Angeles and Los Olivos , a 100-mile route that meanders through mountains, canyons and star-studded enclaves.

Mongolia : Some young people, searching for less curated travel experiences, are flocking to the open spaces of this East Asian nation .

Romania :  Timisoara  may be the most noteworthy city you’ve probably never heard of , offering just enough for visitors to fill two or three days.

India: A writer fulfilled a lifelong dream of visiting Darjeeling, in the Himalayan foothills , taking in the tea gardens and riding a train through the hills.

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Advertisement

'We don't hook up': How to handle a vacation with your ex

Jennifer Ruiz never anticipated that her birthday trip to the Mediterranean with her partner would end in a breakup .

The Florida-based travel writer and her partner had planned the January 2023 cruise around destinations like Greece and Turkey for six months. 

That wasn’t their first trip. The pair had previously traveled together and sometimes argued, but that didn’t deter her excitement. As a seasoned traveler, Ruiz was used to navigating airports, but her partner struggled with flying. “We saw air travel as a tense thing because of his preferences and my preferences,” she said. Suffering from tinnitus, he didn’t like flying and would want to “isolate” while she was more relaxed. “They didn’t necessarily mesh with the way we traveled, especially because you’re stuck in a tube for however long.” 

Ruiz felt like the disunity between her and her partner’s travel styles escalated other issues they had in the relationship. “They’re aggravated by the setting,” she said, despite no one really being right or wrong. He had a strict diet and felt uncomfortable asking for specific requests, while she just wanted to enjoy all the food on board. 

On board the cruise ship together, Ruiz said the lack of space – “that element of being stuck (in a cabin) and being on the water – continued to add to the tension throughout the trip. It was her partner’s first time on a cruise, and as someone who liked to stick to his routine, he ended up being “edgy,” which, in turn, made her “defensive.”

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Breakups are hard enough at home. Add hundreds or thousands of miles and a time difference, and they get even more complicated. For some couples, it may have been a long time coming, while for others, traveling itself can play a role.

The small things began to add up and finally, in Santorini, the couple had a big argument and she said her partner took off and “disappeared in the middle of Santorini.” Ruiz remembered feeling “resentful” because this was how the two were spending their one day in “the most romantic place on Earth.” 

Back on the ship, Ruiz learned her Facebook profile – vital for her job as a content creator – was hacked. Instead of consoling her during the crisis, her partner took space outside on the balcony with the door closed. “It was a really horrible birthday,” she said.

They broke up shortly after that and had to spend the last two days of the cruise together. “It was really tough,” she said. He went home and she went to Egypt, as planned. 

From the experience, Ruiz realizes that she should have let the relationship go sooner and she was “forcing things” through this trip. “It’s like trying to fit a square into a peg hole.”

“Travel is definitely a test of your compatibility,” she said. “It’s important to know the other person and really not think you can just bypass certain things. They’re not going to get better just because you’re in a vacation setting.”

Learn more: The best travel insurance

Tips for navigating travel during and after breakups

Kiaundra Jackson, a licensed marriage and family therapist, said breakups are often caused by a build-up or combination of factors. However, travel can add new variables and stressors.

Even before the trip begins, some travelers are planners while others “need a little bit more assistance with that,” Jackson said.

“I think that that can be frustrating for some couples where there is a mismatch in … getting tasks done,” Jackson added. “And that could cause friction.”

Travelers may also have more time on their hands and fewer responsibilities when they’re away from daily life. “And sometimes that can get you in trouble,” she said. “You might be drinking or you might be hanging out with people that you've met there, and there may be some attraction or some cheating or a breach of trust.”

She recommended that couples thinking about traveling together do a lower-stakes test run, like a staycation or road trip somewhere close to home. Consider talking about your vacation styles, as well.

“‘Do you want to be lazy and just lie in the bed all day and be by the pool, or do you want to do something more adventurous?’” she recommended asking. “And just have those conversations so you can at least get an idea of what they would be like on an actual vacation versus you being completely surprised when you're in the thick of it.”

If couples decide to go, Jackson recommends making sure they have access to their own money in case something happens and they need to get separate accommodations or book new transportation home. It’s also a good idea to have a “support person” who is familiar with their relationship.

“You just want to at least have one person who knows where you are, knows that you're safe, and not just physically safe, but emotionally safe,” she said.

When it comes to traveling with an ex, Jackson said it’s important to prioritize your mental and emotional health. “If going on this trip is going to send you in a downward spiral and make things worse, and now you're completely away from all of your loved ones, it's probably not the best idea to go on that trip,” she added. Though some couples may be able to depending on the circumstances of their split.

Alyssa Meza’s ex-boyfriend Nick asked her to go to Thailand with him on their first date. It started as a joke, but less than a month later, she flew to Bangkok where Nick was working to visit.

The Nashville, Tennessee-based pair bonded over their love of travel. So even after they broke up their nearly five-year relationship last June, they decided not to cancel a planned trip to Europe for her birthday.

They were still living together while Nick looked for his own place by the time the August vacation rolled around, and the breakup was amicable, with Meza feeling like the relationship had simply run its course. They also still co-parent their Mini Bernedoodle, Pavlov. “And then I was like, ‘Let's just go on (the trip),’” the 33-year-old said. “‘We travel really well together. It wouldn’t be weird.’” (Plus, their plane tickets were nonrefundable.)

It wasn’t weird. 

If anything, Meza said, it was freeing. “We can be very different types of people on vacation,” she said. While Meza said Nick enjoys sightseeing and snapping lots of photos, she likes to move slower – perhaps ducking into a coffee shop where she can “feel like a local.”

Now that they’re broken up, Meza, who works in brand marketing, said there’s less pressure to do everything together or do what the other person wants.

“Now it's like, ‘OK, can we compromise? Like, is there a way that we could do both?’” she said, even if that means splitting up for stretches of time. “It's just a different dynamic, but it still works.”

They also meet at the airport rather than going together and have scrubbed romantic dinners from the itinerary. “And you know, we don't hook up, so there’s also that,” she said.

Meza said she feels “lucky” that there is no bad blood, and they have since taken another trip to Canada.

Meza echoed that. “I have exes I definitely would never go on vacation with,” she said.

She encouraged travelers to adjust any expectations they might have had when traveling as a couple and respect their companion’s boundaries. “It wasn't like when we showed up (in Croatia) there was gonna be rose petals and Champagne waiting for us,” she said.

They are both single at the moment, but Meza said they understand they’d have to be respectful of future partners, too.

“It truly is just like going on vacation with my best friend,” she said.

2024’s award-winning shores

Top experiences on Tripadvisor

More to explore

Top destinations for your next vacation

Watch The Wanderer Season 1 on Amazon Prime Video

Travelers' choice awards best of the best.

BREAKING:  No charges in death of nonbinary Oklahoma teen Nex Benedict, DA says

In 'The Casagrandes Movie,' a family trip to Mexico turns into a wild adventure

A new animated fantasy comedy movie that follows the adventures of a preteen Latina who wants to do her own thing while surrounded by her multigenerational Mexican American family premieres Friday on Netflix.

“The Casagrandes Movie” extends the fun of the Nickelodeon series that ran for three years before wrapping up in 2022. The film features Ronalda “Ronnie Anne” Santiago — who first appeared as a character in Nickelodeon's “The Loud House” before getting her own series — who's looking forward to spending summer vacation skateboarding with her friends, but is instead surprised with a family trip to Mexico to visit her relatives for her 12th birthday.

Voiced by actor Izabella Alvarez, Ronnie Anne ends up accidentally freeing the ancient, angst-filled demigod Punguari of the Purépecha, an Indigenous community in the Mexican state of Michoacán.

“The best part for me is that we got to represent the Purépecha community — you hear about Aztecs and Mayans, but there are many Indigenous cultures in Mexico,” director Miguel Puga told NBC News in an interview. Puga grew up traveling to that region of Mexico during his own summer and winter school breaks.

The movie included cultural consultants to ensure correct and appropriate language and images, and while it's largely in English, the film includes some Spanish and Purépecha.

The cast includes actors Sonia Manzano, who played the iconic María on “Sesame Street”; Cristo Fernández of “ Ted Lasso ” fame; and Kate del Castillo.

“When I do anything, I always think, ‘What would I want to watch?’ And representation is always something fought for in this movie; my daughter is 10 years old, and I want her to see herself in the characters,” Puga said. “People can say, ‘Hey, there are people that look like me.’ This movie is fun for all ages.”

The movie "deals with some mother-daughter drama that is universal, and it features 'la chancla,' which is also universal — that’s a funny part and a big part of the movie," Puga said, referring to the "chancla force" unleashed by Ronnie Anne's grandmother when she uses her "chancla," or house slippers, as a weapon.

Cartoonist and humorist Lalo Alcaraz is one of the movie’s writers and a cultural consultant.

“The family trips to Mexico are something real common around the West and Southwest because we’re so close to the border, but it may not be known to many elsewhere, so I’m glad we were able to show that,” he said. “And you don’t normally see the Mexican culture from Michoacán. I want us to see ourselves reflected not just in a positive way but also in a realistic way, and cartoons, animation, is a good way to tell the truth.

“I want people to enjoy seeing themselves and being reminded of their families, and maybe it will inspire people to go to Mexico more and for some to go to get to know their background,” Alcaraz said.

Rosemary Contreras, previously a story editor and writer on several shows including “Dora the Explorer,” “Go, Diego, Go!” and “Dora and Friends,” is also one of the movie's writers and was planning to take her 12-year-old daughter, a “huge” “Casagrandes” fan, to the premiere.

"As a child growing up in the San Fernando Valley (California), we never had this," Contreras said. "So the fact that I can give my daughter a movie that has not only an awesome all-brown familia, along with the cast and a lot of the crew, it’s a dream come true. It's such a rare thing."

Puga said he was still "pinching myself every day because I got to direct this movie. ... Putting more of us on the screen is something I want to keep doing."

For more from NBC Latino,  sign up for our weekly newsletter .

Patricia Guadalupe is a freelance journalist based in Washington, D.C.  Guadalupe has reported for several media outlets, including National Public Radio's Latino USA, CBS Radio and Pacifica Radio Network.