5 Travel Experiences You Haven’t Considered Yet — But Should!

If a standard coastal, country or city break no longer cuts the mustard and leaves you with a sense of longing for your next trip, perhaps it’s time to up the ante, step out of your comfort zone and partake in something a little out of the ordinary on your next annual holiday.

Here we shine the spotlight on 5 travel experiences you might not have considered yet, but promise an unforgettably good time.

Go it Alone in Vietnam

Attracting intrepid backpackers for decades, Vietnam is without question one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia — retaining a sense of charm and adventure that’s slightly diminished in other destinations throughout the region.

Given its appeal with wayfaring folk, Vietnam is a popular destination for those flying solo, and offers a unique opportunity to meet likeminded travelling companions you might not encounter if you were to visit with your usual contingent of friends and family. If you like the idea of travelling solo but are worried it might be a little too daunting, this expert guide from Ute Junker offers great advice and peace of mind.

Cruise New Zealand

Traditionally, cruise holidays have been associated with wealthy retirees looking to take it easy on a month-long trip atop the high seas. But, for Australia in particular, the face of cruising has shifted in recent years — as cruise specialists, Crusie1st Australia, explain:

“Given the amount of cruise lines to deploy their ships in Australia over the past year or so, the choice of itineraries and destinations has increased tenfold. No matter what your holiday preferences, requirements or budget, the amount of sailings in and around Australia and New Zealand means there’s sure to be an itinerary with your name on it.”

Thai Wildlife Sanctuary Volunteering

If you harbour a deep love and respect for the natural world, why not combine this with your need for a holiday and book a life-affirming trip to Thailand, where you’ll volunteer in one of the country’s many wildlife sanctuaries.

Throughout many countries in Southeast Asia and the developing world, native wildlife faces the constant threat of deforestation, illegal trade and high pollution levels. For those interested in volunteering at one of the many sanctuaries set up to safeguard and protect indigenous species, visit Wildlifevolunteer.org and choose from a number of rewarding voluntary projects across Thailand and other regions in Southeast Asia.

Camping and Kayaking in Scotland

While trips to Europe are normally associated with exploring famous cities like London, Paris and Amsterdam, there is a wealth of alternative travel experiences on offer in this part of the world — from wine tasting tours to walking breaks.

One of our favourite travel experiences in Europe is the opportunity to camp and kayak along the waterways of Scotland. Promoted by Wilderness Scotland, kayaking holidays are a great way to get to grips with the scenic beauty of the country. If you aren’t keen on the idea of signing up to a tour, you can always rent a kayak, pack a tent and set forth on your own adventure.

Australia’s Indigenous Getaways

While Australia has carved a niche for its amazing beach breaks, there’s more to it than sun, sea and sand — so don’t rule out a close-to-home holiday until you’ve tried it.

Currently, Tourism Australia is hosting a campaign to spread the word about our amazing indigenous tourism experiences. From Queensland to Kimberley, there exists a wealth of incredible cultural experiences that offer an informative and unforgettable glimpse into the heritage that helped shape the face of contemporary Australia.