It’s a bold endeavour to wrap up the world’s best trips into a top 10. Given that diversity of choice is off the scale, layered with a multitude of individual preferences, any list is highly subjective. But after four decades of creating tailor-made journeys, we’ve learnt a thing or two about what resonates with travellers. Trips of a lifetime don’t have to be long, far-flung, budget-stretching epics. While distance and time often play a part, they are the trips that stay with you long after you’ve unpacked. Trips that fulfil long held dreams or those that completely take you by surprise and deliver on a big scale. They are the trips that make you feel.
Often aligned with a special birthday, a significant anniversary or the time autonomy that comes with retirement, we’ve picked the destinations that we think are worthy contenders for trips of a lifetime. From expedition cruises through remote wilderness to free-spirited self-drives, unforgettable wildlife encounters to far-reaching rail journeys, these are trips to pique your imagination.
1. Spectacular New Zealand
OK, so this trip is far-flung and at 28 days, plus flight times and stopovers is longer than average. But as the name suggests, it is spectacular. New Zealand’s status as a wish-list destination is pretty much written in stone. It packs a mighty punch for a relatively small country and its far away location lends it a little mystique. Trips to NZ tend not to be spontaneous and such is the distance, are best suited to at least three weeks. Spectacular North and South, which can be adapted or completely tailored, offers a month of self-driving through New Zealand’s inspiring scenery and iconic attractions. With a mix of properties including standard, deluxe and boutique as well as included activities, this is the holiday packed with experiences.
Starting in Auckland and ending in Christchurch, highlights include the sub-tropical Bay of Islands, the dramatic volcanic landscapes of central North Island and Wellington, the nation’s capital. After a scenic ferry crossing to South Island, explore Abel Tasman National Park, the West Coast glaciers, and breathtaking Fiordland.
2. Around Iceland
Significantly closer to home, Iceland has a way of staying with you long after you visit. While it shares features with other countries, New Zealand for one, none are packaged quite like this mid-Atlantic island. Thundering waterfalls, volcanoes, glacial lagoons, lava fields, rugged valleys and colourful mountains take centre stage in a land of under 400,000 people. With a large portion of the population in and around the capital Reykjavik, nature dominates in Iceland.
This two-week road trip follows the ring road around Iceland providing an overdose of sensational scenery. As each day unfolds, you’ll be amazed at the variety of experiences that this beautiful island can offer. Explore the crinkle-cut coast, hidden fjords, fishing villages and geothermal hotspots at a leisurely pace. From the Golden Circle to the Diamond Circle, experience Europe’s largest glacier, its most powerful waterfall, black-sand beaches, Icelandic café culture and much more.
3. Tromsø, Abisko and the Icehotel, Scandinavia
The northern lights top a lot of bucket list experiences. And for good reason. These celestial lights are both mesmeric and ethereal. They don’t perform on command or to a schedule. They vary in intensity, shape and colour yet they have the power to transfix and delight. Over the last few years as the solar cycle has reached peak, strong geomagnetic storms have seen aurora displays occurring at lower latitudes far more often than is common. However, locations under the aurora oval remain the best places to witness the northern lights with the naked eye.
This seven-night winter trip into Scandinavia combines three aurora hotspots in one as well as opportunities for a host of classic experiences, think husky sledding, snowmobiling, whale watching and the coolest hotel in the world. You’ll spend time in the charismatic Norwegian city of Tromsø, surrounded by mountains and sea, ride the rails on the Arctic Circle line to Swedish Lapland for an overnight in Abisko National Park, considered one of best places in the world to see the northern lights. Round off the trip with 3-night stay at the Icehotel – one night “sleeping on ice” and two in conventional warm accommodation. This extraordinary hotel is a feat of artistry and engineering, and that it is rebuilt each year ensures unparalleled exclusivity.
4. Trans Canada Rail Adventure
The second biggest country in the world is certainly worthy of a trip of a lifetime. Canada delivers in scale and diversity. Snow-topped mountains, turquoise lakes, sweeping coastlines and vast rainforests conspire to produce picture-perfect scenery, wildlife encounters are enthralling and the locals are super-friendly. From the chiselled peaks of the Rockies to the charming maritime villages of Nova Scotia, Canada is brimming with natural and cultural treasures.
In most cases, we recommend exploring this vast country one or two provinces at a time, such as pairing British Columbia and Alberta or weaving a route through The Maritimes. Our epic rail adventure throws that conventional wisdom out the window on a two-week odyssey coast to coast. From Halifax on the Atlantic coast to Vancouver on the Pacific coast, this immersive journey combines scenic rail travel with included experiences and excursions along the route. Travel cross-country aboard Via Rail’s ‘The Canadian’, before switching to the legendary Rocky Mountaineer for the final two legs. Taking in Montreal, Quebec, Toronto, Jasper and Banff, tick off icons like Niagara Falls and Lake Louise on a journey for the ages.
5. East Coast Wonders, Australia
Another vast nation that lends itself to exploring region by region, like New Zealand, Australia demands more of your time. With long flight times, it’s hard to resist the lure of trying to ‘do it all’ Down Under. There are certainly ways to segue highlights across multiple states in one trip, but there’s a lot to be said for focusing on a single state to explore. They are larger than many European countries after all.
East Coast Wonders does just this in Queensland. It’s a flexible self-drive from Brisbane to Port Douglas traversing a mere 1700 km along the coast with the odd detour inland. Across 17 nights (or longer if you wish to extend), spend time in vibrant Brisbane, unwind on Noosa’s beaches, overnight on the world’s largest sand island, K’gari and sail around the idyllic Whitsundays. Heading through Queensland’s Tropical North, drive through the lush Atherton Tablelands and onwards to Port Douglas where two World Heritage listed sites meet – the Daintree Rainforest and the Great Barrier Reef. This is a big trip that blends adventure with relaxation, coast with rainforest and iconic highlights with quiet retreats.
6. Natural wonders in Alaska
Officially nicknamed ‘The Last Frontier’, the US state of Alaska combines wide open spaces, dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife and unique culture. Alaska is the go-to destination for anyone with a sense of adventure and love of the wild. More than twice the size of Texas, it’s the USA’s largest state and a naturalist’s idyll. Bears and whales provide the box office supported by mighty glaciers, scenic waterways and North America’s tallest mountain, Denali.
Our 12-day National Parks road trip focuses on Alaska’s natural beauty and once you add international flights, it fits nicely into two weeks away. Exploring by car is complemented by a scenic flight into McCarthy‑Kennicott and Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and a cruise in the Kenai Fjords on the lookout for Steller sea lions, seals, humpbacks, orcas, and sea otters. The chance to take in six million acres of protected wilderness in Denali National Park offers the prospect of more wildlife encounters and the iconic mountain. This itinerary guarantees your adventure will be wild!
7. Around Spitsbergen
Inextricably linked to the golden age of exploration, the Polar regions have an aura about them that naturally qualify them as bucket list destinations. Glaciers, icebergs, mountains and abundant wildlife are the reward for intrepid travellers that join small-ship voyage to these regions. Expect epic journeys that immerse you in the pristine scenery with as little impact as possible.
The Svalbard archipelago in the High Arctic is simply captivating. With its gentle palette of blue and white interspersed with earthy tones of green and brown, its both majestic and serene. Icebergs and glaciers sculpted by nature will take your breath away. Encounters with wildlife include walrus, whales, seabirds, seals and with luck, mighty polar bears. While tales of extraordinary human endeavour will inspire. Our flagship Arctic voyage, Around Spitsbergen, sets out to circumnavigate Svalbard’s largest island. Allowing for weather, sea and ice conditions, no two voyages are the same, but each is full of extraordinary moments. For the highest probability of completing the loop around the island, travel later in the summer season.
8. Peninsula, Falklands and South Georgia
At the other end of the globe, Antarctica and the islands of the Southern Ocean that surround the Great White Continent probably top the Arctic from a romantics perspective. From the daring of Ernest Shackleton to Scott’s ill-fated race to the South Pole, the Antarctic remains the most untouched region on the planet. Spellbinding beauty and captivating wildlife make it as compelling a destination as it was for the intrepid explorers of more than a century ago.
Any Antarctic voyage will leave an indelible impression on you. Close encounters with penguins, exquisite icebergs and untouched beauty will do that. But if you really want to go all in on a journey to the frozen south, combine the Antarctic Peninsula with the sub-Antarctic islands of South Georgia and the Falklands in one epic voyage. Spend about three weeks surrounded by ice-filled channels, plentiful penguins, seals galore, wandering icebergs and imposing mountain peaks.
9. Arctic Rail Odyssey
Some of the world’s greatest trips aren’t defined by the destination, but by the journey itself. That is exactly the purpose of our collection of rail holidays. Trips that combine the joy of exploring with the ease of slow travel. Connect destinations and cover long distances without taking your eyes of the view. That’s the concept and on our incredible three-week odyssey from London through Scandinavia and into the Arctic Circle, it becomes a reality.
Arctic Rail Odyssey takes in three Scandinavian capitals, dramatic vistas, iconic accommodation and legendary rail routes including Norway’s dramatic Rauma Line (passing Europe’s highest vertical rock wall). Take in the breathtaking scenery of the Lofoten Islands, the history and modern style of Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm and overnight in Sweden’s world-famous Icehotel. And if you travel in autumn, the aurora might provide the cherry on top. This knocks the socks off a daily commute!
10. Adventure in South Greenland
Big landscapes. A genuine sense of exploration. The world’s largest island is only inhabited along a narrow coastal fringe, such is the size of the vast icecap that dominates. For those drawn to places that feel truly remote, Greenland delivers. From the UNESCO World Heritage listed Icefjord off the west coast to truly remote settlements of Ammassalik in the east, Greenland is like nowhere else.
In this land of 80% perma ice, the verdant valleys of South Greenland in the summer are somewhat of a surprise. Tundra filled with wildflowers, bergy bits drifting through fjords and statues to past Viking settlers. South Greenland Adventure is a week-long, small group wilderness adventure under the midnight sun. It offers a rare chance to experience one of the most isolated parts of the world yet with modern hotel accommodation. Hike beside glaciers, delve into Norse history and cruise among the icebergs on an adventure for the ages.
Feeling inspired?
Our Travel Specialists are enthusiastic, dedicated, and passionate about our destinations and would love to help you create the perfect trip to suit your occasion. Browse our holiday finder, call on 01737 214 250 or send an enquiry.