5 Perfect Places to Experience Bold, Adventurous Travel Now

If you’re like many, then your travel enthusiasm has likely led you farther and farther from home as each year passes since the pandemic. Many of us have become more comfortable venturing farther from home base with each passing year.

With that in mind: It’s time for a return to epic travel adventures–those once-in-a-lifetime trips we’ve been missing out on for the last several years. From bathing in a stunning blue lagoon in Iceland to feeling the wind in your face from the back of a jeep on an African Safari, to shopping in Morocco or strolling through St. Mark’s Square in Venice, unforgettable adventures await in all five of the locales below.

Iceland

Perhaps Iceland is best known for spectacular views of the aurora borealis admired by visitors and residents alike. But there is much more to love about the Land of Ice and Fire. From terrain that undulates with rugged volcanic and glacial tundra to waterfall cliffs and swimming in the inviting Blue Lagoon, Iceland is a feast for both the eyes and the soul.

On summer evenings the northern lights cap off the long days spent basking in the already beautiful terrain with a vivid celestial glow inspirational enough to bring tears to the eyes. Few places on Earth consistently witness the joining of this many colossal natural elements into the same place at the same time.

Fiji

Travel to the South Pacific to the Fiji Islands and discover an undeniable paradise filled with turquoise water lagoons, overwater bungalows, grass skirts, bottomless tropical drinks (the kind topped off with little umbrellas), and ocean breezes that totally eclipse any oscillating fan you may currently have in your bedroom.

Walk for hours along palm-lined beaches, snorkel over and around precious coral reefs, and bask in the sun with the ocean in front of you and the gorgeous, rugged terrain of the Fiji Islands behind you.

Stroll through history carved by the elements of nature with a visit to Fiji’s first national park: Sigatoka Sand Dunes National Park. Take a guided waterfall tour. Visit a local village to experience Fijian culture for yourself. Fiji awaits the chance to share it all with you.

Morocco

The Kingdom of Morocco encompasses more than 172,000 square miles packed full of must-see places. From the exciting urban vibes of Marrakesh to epic palace tours as well as haunting views of palace ruins. You can dip your toes into a sea of butterscotch-colored sand dunes in the Sahara Desert or contrast and compare modern day Morocco with remnants of ancient ways of life in the ruins of medieval cities. Then put foot to path in the snowy mountains of Anti-Atlas.

Having so much to see and do makes Morocco a must for adventurous souls looking to plan a milestone vacation.

Tanzania Luxury Safari

If a safari is on your wishlist, then perhaps this is the year to finally make this adventure a reality. Enthusiasts from all over the world clamor to North African for luxury safaris the whole family can enjoy and Tanzania is among the most popular destinations.

There’s a reason for that: the luxury accommodations and amenities of safaris in the region mean there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you actually expect to join a hunt, or prefer to hop on a photography expedition, or simply stay back at the lodge and enjoy a massage or a swim in the pool, the plethora of choices means every person in the family can essentially create their own safari itinerary while still remaining with the rest of the group.
Kensington Tours has a number of customizable tours that can easily be tailored to your dream safari experience.

Venice, Italy

Venture back in time to Old World Italy at a prominent lagoon city founded in 421 A.D. Perched upon 118 small islands and serviced by more than 400 bridges, Venice is one of a kind. Stroll along the narrow streets of a city that doesn’t allow motorized vehicles. Or, if you prefer, catch a gondola and see the “floating city” from the water.

Stay at the Hotel Molino Stucky Hilton, an enormous luxury hotel on Guidecca Island. The hotel was retrofitted inside a rich, old flour mill that still bears much of the exposed bricks and architectural elements designed specifically for a flour factory. From your starting point of the hotel, you can promenade toward the vaporetto (water taxi) and stop briefly in front of a century’s-old palazzo that Elton John calls home when he visits Italy.

Spend your mornings exploring off the beaten path, your afternoons sipping Italian wine, and your evenings dining on traditional Italian cuisine while watching the sun go down over one of Italy’s most treasured cities.

Once-in-a-lifetime trips are so worthy of the time and planning we put into them. As you’re planning your next international adventure, be sure to read up on Navigating the New Global Entry Changes for Families in 2024 and get the most out of any travel by making sure you’re using the perfect travel card for you.