Trip of a lifetime: the adventures worth planning and saving up for

If you're looking for something a little different for your next trip, take a look at our top picks for trips of a lifetime. Although now might not be the easiest time to travel, it's a great time to plan an exciting future adventure with memorable destinations that are filled with ancient history, extraordinary scenery, and wild animals. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, landmark birthday trip, or just fancy something totally different, these trips may take a little while to save up for but they're well worth the wait.


1. A boat tour to the island of Capri, Italy

Capri is a truly luxurious holiday destination, packed with designer shops and 5-star hotels. It's located off the coast of Naples, so the best way to get there is by boat, and there are dozens of tour operators in the region offering upmarket yacht tours with complimentary food and drink. The boat tours stop off for swimming and snorkelling excursions along the way, before you get dropped off in Capri for a few hours to enjoy lunch and a spot of shopping.

Top spot to visit:
The otherworldly Blue Grotto Cave

2. Camping in the Wadi Rum Desert, Jordan

It may be called camping, but this is a million miles away from a damp tent in the British countryside! When you camp in the Wadi Rum Desert, you'll find luxurious pods or 'bubbles' instead of tents, with fully equipped bathrooms and super comfy double beds. Most campsites also have a restaurant on-site, as well as free Wi-Fi and BBQ areas. The best time of year to go is in the spring or the autumn when the temperatures are cool enough to take part in camel rides and jeep tours that take you past mammoth sand dunes.

Top spot to visit:
The 6,000 foot high Jabal Umm ad Dami peak

3. Dinner under the stars in Seychelles

Seychelles has been a popular honeymoon destination for decades, and it's easy to see why; this remote archipelago looks like something out of a film set. Home to pristine white sand beaches, clear blue seas, and lush palm trees, island holidays don't get much better. It's full of 5-star hotels too, and many of them have private beach access and restaurants with sea views. For an unforgettable romantic dinner, book a private table on the beach and take in the stars while you dine.

Top spot to visit:
The pristine Anse Source d'Argent beach

4. Try Michelin starred food at a food market in Singapore

Singapore's food markets are a dream for foodies, with hundreds of stalls selling steaming bowls of delicious soups, noodles, and rice dishes at bargainous prices. Two of the hawker stands in Singapore have been awarded Michelin stars for their food, with dishes like soy chicken rice and noodles with minced pork. For the full experience, visit in the evening and spend a few hours wandering among the neon-lit stalls and trying samples of unusual ingredients.

Top spot to visit:
The lively Maxwell Food Centre

5. Whale watching and the northern lights in Norway

A truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, take a trip to Norway to see the famous northern lights. While you're there, make sure you book the double-whammy of a whale watching trip too. The aurora borealis can sometimes be a little elusive, so to get the best chance of spotting them, plan your trip between December and March. Whale watching trips run all year round, but if you go in winter you're likely to see orca and humpback whales.

Top spot to visit:
Take a break from the water and explore the majestic Arctic Cathedral in Tromso

6. Take a Safari in the Serengeti

Safari holidays are a magical experience for any animal-loving traveller, but families with older children in particular will love to explore the Serengeti and see the jaw-dropping creatures that live there. Many tour operators offer comfortable accommodation with lodges or tents and provide food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Different parts of the Serengeti are suitable for visiting at different times of the year, so to maximise your chances of seeing big cats or wildebeests, make sure you factor that in when planning your trip.

Top spot to visit:
The Serengeti Hippo Pool

7. Road trip across Route 66

A trip down Route 66 is surely on every seasoned traveller's bucket list. Hire a car and experience the great American open road as you pass through seven states from Illinois to California, and take in sights like the plains of Texas, the mammoth Grand Canyon, and the bright lights of Las Vegas. When you hire a car and travel independently you can take as many detours as you like, finding quirky towns and eating at traditional diners, as well as visiting places like Palo Duro Canyon State Park, the Route 66 Museum, and the Sandia Peak Aerial Tramway. This trip is ideal for couples, and it's best to avoid June, July, and August- unless you like sizzling temperatures.

Top spot to visit:
The Painted Desert in Arizona

8. Discover South-East Asia by train on the Eastern & Oriental Express

Nothing will make you feel more like an old-school film star than a trip on the Oriental Express. Exuding glamour and luxury, you can travel between cities like Bangkok and Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, with a beautiful cabin and 24-hour steward service. You'll be served three-course lunches, afternoon teas, and four-course dinners, and you'll get to stop off at various historic sites and monuments along the way. It's the perfect way to experience the joys of slow travel and to see striking landscapes from a different perspective.

Top spot to visit:
The royal town of Kuala Kangsar

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