Craving bold experiences and destinations beyond the ordinary? Then this guide is for you! From spotting the Big 5 in South Africa to cruising the Galapagos Islands and seeing the Elephants in Thailand, these activities are perfect for those who believe that travelling is about pushing boundaries.
Here’s the bold traveller’s guide to bucket list escapes.
- Spot the Big 5 in South Africa
Many destinations worldwide are famous for wildlife safaris, but only a select few let you see the Big Five up close! These iconic animals, lions, leopards, rhinos, buffalo, and elephants are some of Africa’s most formidable and impressive mammals! If you’re bold enough to encounter them face-to-face, South Africa is the place to go.
South Africa is an epic destination for wildlife safaris. It’s home to Kruger National Park, Pilanesberg, and private game reserves like Sabi Sands, which can arrange incredible Big Five sightings! Of these places, Kruger National Park is the largest. While the Big Five reigns supreme, it’s also home to several other fascinating animals, including cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, and zebras. Driving through its landscapes, keep your eyes peeled for these animals roaming right by you!
Knowledgeable guides will lead you through the park, sharing insights into the animals’ lives and behaviours. Watching a leopard stalking its prey or a herd of elephants moving through the bush is a thrilling and unforgettable experience! These guides know how to find the Big Five and will ensure your safety throughout the journey.
- Visit the Antarctic Circle
Bold travellers should splurge on a journey to the Antarctic Circle! Reaching this remote destination is the ultimate adventure and a rare privilege few get to experience. The Antarctic Circle is one of the Earth’s most untouched and extreme regions. It’s a land of endless white landscapes with vast glaciers and giant icebergs.
You can visit the Antarctic Circle by cruise, a great way to travel in luxury, comfort, and style. These cruises feature spacious cabins with panoramic views of the frozen world and gourmet restaurants serving fancy meals. Expert guides and scientists will join these expeditions and lead excursions into the Antarctic Circle, giving insight into this unique environment.
Among the highlights of your visit to the remote continent is seeing incredible wildlife species. You can see penguins, seals, and whales in their natural habitat. While on board your cruise, marvel at giant icebergs floating by and admire the raw beauty of the icy seas up close!
Bold travellers will surely love the thrill of cruising through the Drake Passage. It’s a stretch of ocean between South America and Antarctica, renowned for its extremely rough waters. The icy winds add to the thrill of passing here. Once you reach the Antarctic Circle, you’ll enter a world few people have seen!
- Cruise the Galapagos Islands
Cruising the Galapagos Islands is a dream adventure for those who love the wildlife. The islands that make up the archipelago are one of the most untouched regions on Earth. Exploring this unique environment and encountering fascinating animals is the ultimate escape for bold travellers!
Cruising is the best way to see the Galapagos. It allows you to explore multiple islands while travelling in comfort and luxury. From the deck of your cruise, you can enjoy breathtaking views of volcanic islands and turquoise waters. However, the true magic happens once you go ashore.
The Galapagos is renowned for its wildlife, much of which you cannot find anywhere else on Earth. You’ll encounter giant tortoises, blue-footed boobies, and marine iguanas during your adventure here. These animals have little fear of humans, allowing for up-close encounters! If you’re into snorkelling and diving, the underwater world of the Galapagos is your paradise! You will also have the chance to see playful sea lions, sea turtles, and other marine animals.
The best thing about cruising the Galapagos is you get to try different experiences! One day, you will hike a volcanic landscape. The next day, you’ll be kayaking near cliffs full of nesting birds. Knowledgeable guides accompany you on every excursion, sharing insights about the islands’ geology, flora, and fauna.
- Trek to Everest Base Camp
Embarking on the Mount Everest Base Camp trek is a dream for avid trekkers. This activity is perfect if you’re bold enough to conquer some of the world’s tallest peaks! It will take you on a thrilling journey into the heart of the Himalayas, surrounded by the majestic mountains. It’s a challenge that tests endurance and spirit, an achievement only a few can claim.
Your journey begins in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. You will then take a flight to a town called Lukla. From there, you’ll trek through stunning landscapes, passing through lush forests, crossing hanging bridges, and climbing rocky paths.
One of the highlights of your journey is stopping at Namche Bazaar, a vibrant Sherpa village high in the mountains. It’s a perfect place to rest, acclimate, and experience the local culture. Throughout your trek, you’ll stay in local teahouses, which offer a warm bed and a hot meal after a long and tiring day!
- See the Elephants in Thailand
If you’re fascinated by elephants, Thailand is the place to be. Elephants are a big part of the country’s culture, and seeing these majestic creatures up close is truly unforgettable. You will even have a chance to feed and bathe them, which is exciting and heartwarming.
You’ll start by touring the sanctuary. Knowledgeable guides will join you to share the history and behaviour of these animals, allowing you to understand their intelligence and gentle nature. You’ll also learn about rescue stories and how these sanctuaries work to protect them.
Getting close to the elephants is exciting. You’ll hear the low rumbles of their communication, feel the warmth of their skin, and watch them interact with each other. Feeding them bananas or sugarcane and bathing them in a river or mud pool is fun! Plus, the sanctuary’s lush jungle landscapes enhance the overall experience.