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Adventure

Alternative Travel Ideas for a Vacation with a Difference

January 22, 2025 Adventure

Travel is always an enriching experience and can enhance life in many ways. Having the opportunity to see new sights, sample new foods, and generally experience life in a new location can be a transformative effect on your perspective, and even on the way you live.

Some travel destinations are more memorable than others. One thing that’s guaranteed is that travel is always a worthwhile experience. If you’re a seasoned traveler, you may find yourself often heading to the same types of destination on the same kind of vacations. This can be a lot of fun, but sometimes it’s nice to do something different.

But the big question is what should you do and where should you go? When you have visited many countries, finding a completely different travel experience can be challenging. However, with a little creative thinking, it’s entirely possible. If you are looking to take a vacation with a difference, why not check out these alternative travel ideas?

Volunteering experiences are available right across the world. This could involve anything from helping out at a wildlife sanctuary to teaching English overseas.

Head for the Water

Water offers so many options for so many different types of travel. Oceans, rivers, lake tours.

You don’t need to book a cruise trip to enjoy a luxury break on the water. If you’re looking for something entirely new to try for your next vacation, why not charter a yacht?

Luxury yacht hire is something you will never forget. This is a vacation that allows you to leave the world behind and simply get away from all the stress of daily life. You can swim in the sea, relax on deck, spend quality time with your loved ones without any distractions, and enjoy the carefree vibe that a yacht charter brings.

You will find a wide range of options available when you’re looking for a yacht for hire. Which one you choose will depend on how many people are in your party, where you wish to travel to, and the features and amenities you want to enjoy onboard.

Learn a New Skill

Vacations can be the perfect time to relax and escape the everyday stress of work and responsibilities. However, if you’re someone that’s not good with simply lounging by the pool, you may decide that a change of scenery is just as good as having a rest.

Taking a vacation where you get to learn a new skill is an excellent way to enjoy your travels in a different way. There are many different travel opportunities designed to help you do this. You could take a horseback riding holiday, embark on a week-long cookery course overseas, or even head to the ocean to learn to surf.

Try Volunteering

Volunteering is another excellent way to enjoy an alternative travel experience. This option won’t be the most relaxing choice for your vacation. However, if you’re looking for a different experience, it could tick all the boxes for you.

Volunteering experiences are available right across the world. This could involve anything from helping out at a wildlife sanctuary to teaching English overseas.

As you can see, there are endless travel opportunities out there; you just need to choose the best option for you.

Travel

Looking for a Trip Way Off the Beaten Path? Here Are Five Extremely Remote and Wild Places to Visit

May 3, 2023 Travel

World class destination abound on our beautiful planet. But are you tired of the same old beach resorts and crowded tourist hotspots? Looking for a travel experience that’s truly out of the ordinary? You came to the right spot. We’ll be taking you on a journey to some of the most exotic travel destinations on earth, and giving you the lowdown on why they’re worth the effort to visit.

1. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

At over 10,000 square kilometers, the Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat. Located in southwestern Bolivia, this otherworldly landscape is made up of a blindingly white expanse of salt crust that stretches as far as the eye can see. During the rainy season, the flat floods and becomes a giant reflective mirror, creating a stunning optical illusion of the sky and the ground merging into one.

You’ll have so much more to explore as well, with Bolivia’s rich history and culture, exploring this part of South America.

2. Socotra Island, Yemen

Tucked away in the Arabian Sea, Socotra Island is a biodiversity hotspot unlike any other. Home to over 700 species of plants and animals that are found nowhere else on earth, this remote island is often referred to as the “Galapagos of the Indian Ocean”. From the dragon’s blood tree to the desert rose, the flora and fauna of Socotra Island are truly unique. Aside from that, Socotra has mind blowing beaches, which are usually entirely empty of visitors.

3. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China

The inspiration for the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a natural wonder that will leave you in awe. The park is known for its towering sandstone pillars, some of which rise over 1,000 meters above the ground. Visitors can take a cable car ride to the top of Tianmen Mountain and walk along the breathtaking glass skywalk that extends out over the valley below.

Photo by Eric Lafforgue / Art in All of Us / Corbis via Getty

4. Danakil Depression, Ethiopia

Located in the northeast of Ethiopia, the Danakil Depression is one of the hottest and most inhospitable places on earth. It’s also one of the most visually stunning. The depression is home to a kaleidoscope of colorful mineral formations, including sulfur fields, salt pans, and acid lakes. The area is also home to the Afar people, who have adapted to the harsh environment and are known for their unique culture and way of life.

5. Antarctica

The ultimate travel destination for adventure-seekers, Antarctica is the world’s southernmost continent and the coldest, driest, and windiest place on earth. Despite its extreme conditions, Antarctica is home to an abundance of wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales. Visitors can take part in activities like kayaking, camping, and even swimming in the icy waters. It challenging and expensive to get there, but Antarctica is a for-sure bucket list trip.

So there you have it, some of the most exotic travel destinations on earth. From the world’s largest salt flat to the coldest continent, these places are truly out of this world.

Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or just looking for a change of scenery, these destinations are sure to leave a huge lasting impression.

Have you been to any of the above? Or are there other exotic, hard-to-get-to places we should write about? Let us know!

General

How to Spend 24 Hours in Lagos, Portugal

February 10, 2022 General

Portugal is fast becoming one of the most popular holiday spots in Europe. The sun-soaked Algarve remains a firm favourite for those seeking sand and sea, as well as some incredible culture and amazing food. But one of the lesser-known spots in Portugal is the charming and lovely Lagos – even if you just have 24 hours to spare on your holiday, then it’s well-worth making the trip. Here is how you can best explore this hidden gem.

Morning

Mainly known for beautiful beaches, you will be able to stay in one of the many guest houses dotted around the area. Once you have arrived, you may be tempted to laze the day away, but you need to treasure every moment and really enjoy Lagos. Make sure you eat a good breakfast, either at your accommodation or head to the locals’ beloved Croissanteria 29, where you can try their delicious croissants and fresh juice. Thoroughly fortified, you can then head out for a tour of the water caves. This boat tour will usually set you back less than €20, and you’ll delight in exploring the coastline and caves.

Early afternoon

After this, you can go from the marina to Praia do Camilo, where you can finally enjoy lying in the sun on one of Portugal’s best-loved beaches. Pack a great book and plenty of sunscreen to really make the most of the warm weather, and don’t forget to snap some pictures. After you’re done relaxing, put on your bathing suit so that you can take a swim in the mild waters to cool off.

Late afternoon

During the later part of the afternoon, take some time to explore some of the many shops and places to eat. Café Odeon is known for serving generous portions and good coffee to set you up for your adventures. Enjoy taking some beautiful pictures of the cobblestone streets, and maybe pop into a bar to get a refreshing drink.

Early evening

Don’t head back to your accommodation too early! Central Lagos might not be quite as lively as some other areas of the Algarve, but it has a thriving nightlife nonetheless.

As the evening closes in, make it your mission to try some of the seafood that the area is known for. Spend an evening enjoying a good glass of wine and some delicious local fish at a spot like Restaurant Calhou, or go for a no-nonsense, fresh and local experience at A Barrigada.

Later evening

Once you have eaten, head out on the town. Mynt Bar offers cocktails and live music, while Bar Lionheart has a karaoke area where you can sing your heart out into the small hours.

Enjoy a stroll to see the sparkling sea before turning in for the night – Lagos is sure to be somewhere you want to return to. Even 24 hours in Lagos can be wonderful and leave you with a full flavour of this stunning part of Portugal.

Climate Change

Andrew Ling’s Vision of Patagonia

April 4, 2017 Climate Change

Patagonia, like Iceland, remains high on our travel list, a place of supreme isolation and natural beauty. The sheer scale of the glaciers, the endless mountain peaks, the color palette of the surroundings, all make us want to jump on a place and fly to the bottom of South America. Photographer Andrew Ling has a beautiful gallery of photographs from an adventure he took there. His journey took him to Grey Glacier in Lago Grey, a place we’re jotting down for our own future adventure. Our planet sure is a gorgeous place. Via Behance: