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of a lifetime

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“Of a lifetime.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/of%20a%20lifetime. Accessed 10 Mar. 2024.

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"a journey of a lifetime"

  • Thread starter Er.S.M.M.Hanifa
  • Start date Apr 26, 2010

Er.S.M.M.Hanifa

  • Apr 26, 2010

Hi, 1. After all as far as she was concerned the cruise was going to be a journey of a lifetime. This line is taken from one ESL test. What is the meaning of 'a journey of a lifetime'? In this context, what is the meaning of 'cruise'? Your explanation will be highly appreciated. Thanks, Er.S.M.M.Hanifa  

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Member Emeritus

You cruise on a ship. And journey of a lifetime means extremely special and very memorable, as in a once-in-a-lifetime experience.  

"She was so excited at the thought of the cruise. " Here what does 'cruise' mean? Thanks, Er.S.M.M.Hanifa  

Definition of «trip of a lifetime»

The phrase "trip of a lifetime" is an idiomatic expression that refers to a journey or experience that is considered exceptional, unique and unforgettable. It is often used to describe a trip or vacation that someone is taking, which they believe will be the most memorable and special experience of their life. The phrase suggests that the trip is something special and rare, which someone may only have the opportunity to experience once in their lifetime.

Sentences with «trip of a lifetime»

  • Share your favorite trip of a lifetime in the comments section, or take my poll below! ( theluxurytravelexpert.com )
  • Get ready for an unforgettable surf trip of a lifetime ! ( villascostarica.com )
  • The road trip of a lifetime — driving across the country in more than $ 5 million worth of exotic cars — was taking shape. ( automobilemag.com )
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Trips of a Lifetime

We all have our lists — what’s on yours?

Since 1971, Travel + Leisure editors have followed one mission: to inform, inspire, and guide travelers to have deeper, more meaningful experiences. T+L's editors have traveled to countries all over the world, having flown, sailed, road tripped, and taken the train countless miles. They've visited small towns and big cities, hidden gems and popular destinations, beaches and mountains, and everything in between. With a breadth of knowledge about destinations around the globe, air travel, cruises, hotels, food and drinks, outdoor adventure, and more, they are able to take their real-world experience and provide readers with tried-and-tested trip ideas, in-depth intel, and inspiration at every point of a journey.

A safari through Tanzania with friends. Cage diving with great white sharks in Australia. Boarding the highest railway in northern Europe. We all have our definition of a “trip of a lifetime,” but no matter what yours is, some experiences are so extraordinary, they change how we view the world. And while they're not always easy to reach, often requiring multiple modes of transportation (and even an adventurous spirit), the effort is always well worth the reward.

At Travel + Leisure , we’re devoted to turning our (and your) travel wishes into memories, so let this be the year you stop fantasizing about that once-in-a-lifetime trip and finally book it. Ready, set, get inspired.

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  • a legend in (one's) own lifetime

a moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips

Chance of a lifetime, give a man a fish..., in (one's) lifetime, in another life(time), of a lifetime, once in a lifetime, once-in-a-lifetime chance, once-in-a-lifetime experience, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, once-in-a-lifetime situation, why break the habit of a lifetime.

  • a legend in their own lifetime

the chance, etc. of a ˈlifetime

  • a legend in (one's) own time
  • a living legend
  • legend in own time
  • have the blues
  • life of Reilly, leading/living the
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  • life of the party
  • life of the party, the
  • life on the fast lane
  • life partner
  • life passes (one) by
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  • life's a beach
  • life's a bitch(,( and) then you die)
  • Life's a bitch, then you die
  • Life's been good
  • life-threatening
  • lift (one's) elbow
  • lift (one's) hand against (someone)
  • lift (one's) hat
  • lift (one's) spirits
  • lift a finger
  • lift a finger, he/she doesn't/won't
  • lift a hand
  • lift one's elbow
  • lift the curtain (on something)
  • lift the lid off (something)
  • lift the lid off something
  • lift the veil (on something)
  • lift your elbow
  • lift, blow, etc. the lid off something
  • lift/raise a hand against somebody
  • lift/raise the roof
  • Lifestyle Insights, Networking, Knowledge and Skills
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  • "Trip of a Lifetime"

"Trip of a Lifetime"

I recently saw a Facebook post from some family who are doing an ancestral heritage tour in Norway. Someone had commented that it looked like "the trip of a lifetime." It got me thinking about that phrase, and what it means to those of us who have traveled extensively and have the means and desire to prioritize travel.

This forum is obviously not representative of the average American. For many Americans, one, two-week trip abroad (whether Europe or elsewhere) at some point in their life may indeed be the "trip of a lifetime". But for some of us, travel is almost a given. It's certainly a special experience boarding a plane and jetting off to a new country, and I don't take for granted any of the trips I've taken. But I prioritize travel. I have a line item in my budget for it where I'm always saving, and my goal is to travel internationally somewhere every year, even if it's "just" to Mexico or Canada. I'm fortunate that my job and lifestyle currently allow me to do this.

If someone were to ask me what my "trip of a lifetime" was, I'd be hard pressed to come up with one, because arguably, they all are! I dreamed since high school to visit France, and I remember the feeling of riding up the escalator from the Metro in the Latin Quarter in Paris after riding the train in from CDG, and seeing the Haussmann-era architecture coming into view. I remember the excitement of walking around Akker Brygge in Oslo with my mom, she, 35 years since her last trip to Europe, and myself for the first time in the country as we started a trip to reunite with Norwegian relatives. And I remember finally going on that long-dreamed for literary trip around England, walking the streets of Bath where Jane Austen's characters walked, and seeing the sites of Oxford that inspired the Inklings.

I guess my point is that, I sort of interpret the "trip of a lifetime" as something unrepeatable, and at this stage of my life, travel is almost a given, even if I'm not going back to the same places. I'd be curious for others who travel even more than I do, if you have any trips you'd consider your "trip of a lifetime" or how you interpret that phrase when you're able to travel to new places regularly?

Personally I've come to view "trip of a life time" to mean any of a number of travel experiences and not at all tied to one particular trip, but several through my life.

There's the summer of 1979 when the family drove cross country in a VW pop up camper, camping out at various KOAs and campgrounds along the way and 44 years later I remember that experience so fondly.

Summer of 1984 was the first time I got to travel without my parents, with a church group and was my first time on the Appalachian Trail. What an experience that was, and oh the stunning sights of the Great Smokey Mountains. And after a weekend and a half of rain every night we got off the trail got settled into a hotel, dried out, and watched Mary Lou Retton on TV win gold at the 84 Summer Games.

There was the summer I worked on a movie. The first time traveling to Europe, again another trip of a life time. Never thought I would ever get to experience such a thing or that I would get to see sites I'd only read about. That trip did a lot to make me realize exactly how easy it is to return and regularly enjoy.

We took a trip if a lifetime in June: 3 weeks to the Dolomites, Venice , Stresa, Wengen, Colmar and Bacharach. It was an epic trip, with one wonderful place after another. But what made it a trip if a lifetime was the group: myself, husband, 20 yo son, 16 yo son, sister and her husband.

It was my sister and her husband’s first trip to Europe (they are 60), and probably their last. It was our first time together for an extended period in 25+ years. They tend to travel to tropical locations for scuba diving. I hate heat, humidity and critters that live in the ocean.

It’s also getting harder to travel with my teens, due to school and work commitments. Every trip I treat as if it could be our last in our little family bubble. Before long they will have their own families and commitments.

Salute, Linnae. This is a well-written and thoughtful post.

I have visited 23 countries via 21 trips abroad, which includes four visits to Canada.

For me the trip of a lifetime occurred in 2010. That year, I went to western Ireland and London, an adventure that will always stay with me.

I hiked 100 miles over seven days on the Dingle Peninsula in Ireland via the Dingle Way trail ( https://www.dingleway.com/ ). I trekked back roads, working farms, beaches and even climbed a mountain, Mt. Brandon, the eighth tallest in Ireland.

I heard people speaking Irish as their day-to-day language. I saw early Christian, Celtic and Norman antiquities. The highlight was Minard Castle, a spooky Norman ruin. Though I had previously seen dozens of castles throughout Europe, none compared with Minard. And I saw the ruin alone, which added to the fascination. I also visited the South Pole Inn in Annascaul. The pub was founded by Tom Crean, an explorer who made three expeditions to Antarctica as part of the British Navy in the early 1900s.

Another great memory is that the owner of a B&B shared the memories of her mother, a nurse who served in London during the Blitz of World War II. It was an incredible moment, as my dad served in the U.S. Navy during WWII. We were the children of veterans of the most violent war in history and met in remote Ireland.

Another memory is of a farmer who invited me into his barn to show me his cow-milking process. Turned out, the farmer had been to Chicago, my home town. In addition to Irish and Americans, I met people from Spain, France and Belgium.

It wasn't all blue skies, green fields and the beautiful sea. I visited a doctor! I sought out a physician because I couldn't pull a tic out of my leg. It was a fun experience to visit a doctor in a foreign country even if I had to pay 60 Euros!

After the hike was done, I took a ferry from Cork, Ireland, to Swansea, Wales. It was fun to spend the night on the Atlantic Ocean. After arriving at 6 a.m., I took a train to London. What an eye-opener London was! I loved it. The New Globe Theater. The British Library. The pubs and beer.

The trip was particularly memorable because I spend seven days in rural western Ireland. I trod ways few ever see. Then it was on to the great city of London. The trip was one of the best things I ever did. It's a memory I hope to take to the next world.

Linnae, I’m similar to you where I’m able - financially & healthy to travel to Europe often, and it’s a priority. So, although each trip has been wonderful and special, they aren’t what I would define as a “trip of a lifetime”.

My closest to this conversation topic would be my 4-H Ambassador People-to-People trip where we went to Europe & Russia for 40 days. This was the summer before I started college, and it was an eye-opening cultural experience!

I keep finding more trips of my lifetime every year. I have been to 81 foreign countries and still have a few more to visit, as well as some places in countries that I have visited several times.

Travel is wonderful and there is much to see in the World.

I have some basic tips for enhancing enjoyment of travel.

1) Do your research. Study the history of where you are going. Find out what is really important where you are going. The more you know about the history and the sites to see, the more you will enjoy your trip. 2) Don't try to visit five countries in 10 days. For example, going to Rome, Italy and trying to do it in two days is insufficient. Plan on at least 5-6 days. 3) Take lots of photos and have the best printed for a photo album, you will enjoy looking at them in the future to enjoy your trip once more.

For me, every trip seems like the "trip of a lifetime" in that each one seems to be better than the last! Again, I am very fortunate to be able to travel often. But I've had a lot of memorable trips over the last decade or so. Just began a new trip today, after a tiring travel day involving two planes, a bus, and a train, finally arrived in Trieste, Italy where I will be embarking on a 7 day cruise to Croatia, Greece, and Turkey. After that, I will be traveling for a week independently in Bosnia and Montenegro. Hope this is as good as all the others!

We are on the same page Linnae! And I agree with other replies here also. When we prioritize travel…and we are blessed to do frequent trips…each trip adds on to the list “trip of a lifetime” scenio! I do hear myself saying our recent July trip was and I call it that. Did 5 countries…cruise and land….with 5 grandchildren and their parents! 11 of us! To see and experience Europe through their eyes is truly priceless! And now when together we add on with our shared memories! Just so very grateful…and that we stayed well, safe and sane! Yes… not taking these extra perks in life for granted!

I've been on so many amazing trips. Any of them could have been the trip of a lifetime until the next trip. Right now I have three trips planned, all of which are potentially even bigger and more amazing than any I've been on so far.

But the trip of a lifetime for me was the trip I took from Seattle to Ajijic, where I now live, four years ago. No other trip I've taken was life-changing at the level of that one.

For me, a trip of a lifetime would be visits to places I’ll probably never get back to.

Another way of looking at it is that perhaps a trip you didn't think was going to be any different to any other trip you had previously taken then turned into the absolute best trip of your lifetime…..so far!

I agreed to two weeks in Newfoundland in 2019 with two friends, and we just had the time of our lives! One of my best trips ever, anywhere in the world….a very special place on Earth.

But I prioritize travel. I have a line item in my budget for it where I'm always saving, and my goal is to travel internationally somewhere every year, even if it's "just" to Mexico or Canada. I'm fortunate that my job and lifestyle currently allow me to do this.

^This. Though I couldn't go every year because of work commitments, I was able to do a big trip every other year while I was working. I just retired and will travel a bit more frequently (if my pension allows).

Compared to some of my peers, who have never left the USA let alone my state, I've pretty much done nothing but once-in-a-lifetime trips. But for me, there are a couple of special trips that fall in that category. My first solo trip to Italy on a RS tour was life changing. Going to Ecuador and standing on the equator was pretty cool, plus seeing Machu Picchu in Peru was a gasp out loud experience. I took my nephew on a high school graduation trip (postponed two years due to COVID) and am so thankful I got to see the world through his fresh eyes. I hope to do the same with my niece next year. And I didn't realize how "trip of a lifetime" my last minute trip to Iceland in late 2019 turned out to be - just prior to COVID, it sustained me through those dark days of staying home. And my dad has requested that after he dies, he wants his ashes spread in Australia (where he and my mom lived in the late 1960s). I am 100% sure that trip with my sister will qualify.

Fun question, and interesting responses from others!

Compared to most on this forum I am an amature as far as international travel goes. If i get tovadd in major US trips (in distance or time or whatever). Then i am a bit more respectable, But even fir me the “Trip of a lifetime”. Is hard to define or pick. Oddly enough I am about to go on a “trip of a lifetime” that truly IS. I am going with my buddy and his mother, neither have been over seas and frankly nether are likely too every again. Thus this is a trip of a lifetime for my friends mother and probably is for my friend.

I on the other hand…. I have 4 possibilities. 1) my first trip when i was a kid and we spent a month in Europe (Mostly Germany). that was a experience that I couldn't understand properly as it was so far outside my experience at the time. New Food, new smell, new cultures unknown languages, “new” relatives. it was all overwhelming. my second option was a month long RV trip with my Parents when I had just bern laid off. I took part of my severance package to live off of and away we went. I only worried about a job occasionally sending out resumes to a few select companies and oddly had a job lined up when i got back. It was memerable in a large part because i never once wortied about what kind of mess i would find when i got back to the office so it was very relaxing. I imagine much like traveling after being retired. My third and 4th options are my most recent trips in 17 and 18. 2017 When i finally hot to England for the first time as well as Paris for the first time when i took my father to Europe. His first time in France and England as well and his first trip back to Europe in about 20 years, But my forth option is my last trip in 2018 while not. memorable for seeing things i always wanted to for the first time it is memorable because it turned out to be my dads, my long time travel companions last trip .if you made me pick i would say that one. But i really think for travelers with a few trips under there belt it is typicaly impossible yo bick a trip of a lifetime unless the have done something out of the norm for them. Say a 2 month trip when they normally only go for a couple weeks or Going to Africa when they normally only go to Europe. For most of us it is more likly that each trip has some High light so we have more of a Best of List

Often this List is made up of a lot of places we have always wanted to go. Sort of a bucket list.

To me a trip of a lifetime means one that you will take only once in your lifetime, but not necessarily your only trip. So, it could be your one and only trip to Europe (or anywhere else) - one that you saved most of your life in order to take; or it could be one or more of many trips you have taken all over the world. In my case I have taken two trips that I know I will never repeat so I call them both 'trips of a lifetime'. One was to New Zealand and one was to China. I probably would not travel again to China as it's gotten harder and harder to do and may even be impossible now. I also know that with my current age and health issues I'm not likely to ever get 'down under' again.

My trip of a lifetime would be my first trip to Europe. I was in my early 20s, on a small budget, biking from one youth hostel to the next. It was the first time I flew or took a train. It was the first time I felt limited by having only one language. It was the first time I saw Stonehenge, Chartres cathedral, the Parthenon. The world opened up for me, expanded. it was the impetus for all the great trips I have had since.

A trip of a lifetime has been defined for me by my family and friends to mean “once and done”. It’s I’ve been to Paris (pick any city or country) so I’ve seen Europe type of mentality. Most of them can afford at least a yearly trip but have no desire for further exploration. I decided I was going to see the world back in fourth grade and started with China back in the early 80s. So, I don’t look at any of my travels as a trip of a lifetime but as another wonderful exploration.

Great responses so far! I define a “trip of a lifetime” from all the wonderful incredible trips I have had the pleasure of taking by : Who was on the trip- taking my 80 year old mom to Cuba was one Where: a difficult place or far flung location I won’t probably get back to again What: an out of my comfort zone activity on a trip like hiking the West Highland Way or walking the Camino. Why: a milestone birthday or activity or reason why we are there that’s different from just the fun of it

All trips are full of wonder and delight and excitement but that criteria above points to a trip of a lifetime for me.

For some reason when I read "trip of a lifetime," my mind immediately goes to the length of the trip. So far I've only been able to travel max 12 nights total. But one day I would love to take a full month for vacation. Not sure the destination even matters (although a full month in Spain pops to mind) as much as the length of the trip.

We recently got a flyer from the university from which we graduated, advertising a trip to Europe, India, and the Middle East. All first class, private jets... for only $80,000.00. Per person. Not counting the round trip flight to the starting point in Europe.

Now, that really would be the trip of a lifetime! We'd never be able to afford another trip ever again!

Yes Jane…those university alumni trips are always enticing and so interesting but way over what we can budget. Not wanting a one and done….permantly and forever!

I think a trip of a lifetime for me would be to Egypt. When I was 14 my history teacher brought in photos of her trip there and almost 30 years later I still remember that was the day that sparked my interest in traveling. It's a bucket list place that I'm still intimidated to attempt. But definitely someday 😊

I think a trip of a lifetime for some is simply going to Europe. Some people aren't financially able to travel every year and those that are blessed. People at work sometimes have gone to Europe twice in their lifetime and for them it is a trip of a lifetime.

We met an Italian woman who was seeing the Grand Canyon and New Mexico on her whirlwind tour of the US. For her it was the trip of a lifetime.

Personally for me, every trip now is a trip of a lifetime as I have friends and parents who can't travel anymore and were planning on traveling more before their health issues. One never knows if job, finances or ill health will make a trip the last one.

My last trip with my husband in 2017 I titled the blog "Trip of a Lifetime". It was 2½ months on the continent and a two week transatlantic cruise back. It was amazing...we were not ready to come home. We met George on that cruise...oh what fun we all had!

We had planned a repeat trip in 2019 but the universe had different plans. My husband was in a car accident and while his injuries were not extensive he did need some long term treatment, then Covid, then an underlying medical problem accelerated.

I lost my husband of 38 years in November. I am leaving the last day of August for another trip of a lifetime, this one a memorial of sorts. I will visit some of our special places and memorialize him there. It is 129 days altogether...some old favorites and some new destinations.

Before his illness accelerated we were planning this trip. Some very good friends who had followed my blog of the last trip upon hearing we were going again asked to join us. These folks have never to Europe...going was never even on their radar. They are joining me for 97 days! I have spent months planning and now am less than 2 weeks away.

It is possible to have more than one "Trip of a Lifetime"!

Sorry for your loss Christi. That sounded all so hard to go thru for you both. Sad but….Poignant and inspiring post. You choose to live your life well and to continue to look for joy in travel and experiences…and with friends! That trip sounded wonderful! It’s the reason we travel now and are thankfully able in our retirement to extend them. One never knows if it’s our last. May your travel be blessed with more good memories…even reliving the bitter sweet ones….

"Trip of a lifetime" is a phrase I detest. It makes it sound like no future trips will ever be as good. If so, why bother?

I believe you don't know it's one of the best trips until it's over, and sinks in.

When I think back, these are some of my choices (no order):

China in 2012. Fabulous. Wouldn't go near the country now.

RS Best of Adriatic, June 2023. Exceeded all expectations.

Northern Italy and Austria (Sep 2010). Learned the joy of traveling light.

France 2011. Every planned detail worked out and we made perfect choices throughout.

First Atlantic crossing followed by two weeks in Spain. Partly the company on the cruise, partly the length of trip, partly Spain (even though I don't connect with Spain the way I do France).

Poland, Austria, Czech Republic 2004. Our first time on the continent. Some of you will recall the crazy stories (crazy Russian masseuse, for example). That's when we knew we could survive most anything abroad.

Every trip has "moments of a lifetime". Even trips that overall weren't as lifechanging.

As I overthink this question and let it consume my Sunday morning, my initial reaction is that a trip of a lifetime is something I've always wanted to do. Until I read other responses I'd never considered it a trip that I'll likely never do again.

My first trip of a lifetime was in 1979 to Disneyland, I've been back many times and enjoyed every trip, but the first was the only one I'd consider the trip of a lifetime. Spring Training in Florida next March is also a trip of a lifetime because I've never been, but have always wanted to-it's probably my longest standing travel bucketlist item. My first European adventure in 2014 was not considered a trip of a lifetime at the time because I never knew I wanted to go. I just went because my wife said I wanted to go. It wasn't until I got back that it was the trip of a lifetime and it's triggered many more.

Andrea: "Every trip has "moments of a lifetime". Even trips that overall weren't as lifechanging." Well said!

Allan: LOL---"As I overthink this question and let it consume my Sunday morning.. (and LOL----"I just went because my wife said I wanted to go.") This! I just started reading the thread, then told my husband he needed to read the thread. But, I went on to read him exerpts...Now, we've fallen down the rabbit hole discussing our trips. He's also scrolling through our 2 Ireland trips ('09 & '19) and asking me to guess the locations, and which trip....Such a pleasant morning.

Thank you, Linnae!

It wasn't until I got back that it was the trip of a lifetime and it's triggered many more.

Nailed it. At least for me. Everyone is free to define 'trip of a lifetime' as it relates to their own life.

I've had a few that stand out as bucket list trips that met or exceeded my expectations. At the time they were my trip of a lifetime. Until the next one came along. To me, this doesn't necessarily mean a once in a lifetime trip- never to be repeated. The only trips I never hope to repeat are the ones that disappointed or were just so so.

And then there were a couple of trips that started out with not so high expectations, but turned into memorable experiences that will remain as one of our most favorite. Like the trip to New Zealand that my husband really wanted because one of his brothers lived there and I came along for the ride.

We will visit Egypt and Jordan this winter. It has been on my bucket list since I was a child, so I have high hopes it will become another of my 'trips of a lifetime'.

I never knew I wanted to go. I just went because my wife said I wanted to go.

I just read this aloud to my husband and he smirked "sounds familiar"

Christi, Yes, you can have more than one trip of a lifetime. Your post really touched me. I hope you have a wonderful time on your coming trip of a lifetime. By any measure, it would qualify.

I’ve been very fortunate to travel a lot, the only downside being that no trip is as special as it would be for someone who only takes one big trip in their lifetime. But that’s okay; I truly enjoy all my trips. The only one that I would call a trip of a lifetime is Antarctica. We absolutely loved it and we will certainly never do it again. The fact that it was canceled twice due to Covid, adds to its specialness.

Christi--I am so sorry for your loss. Your upcoming trip sounds wonderful in so many ways. I wish you the best:)

I think we can have numerous trips of a lifetime, for various reasons. I would say my first trip to Europe was a trip of a lifetime. it got us hooked on travel. Another trip of a lifetime was going to France with my mom and daughter. I loved that the 3 of us got to travel together, but did not give that further thought until we almost lost her last year, and now her care is ongoing. Another trip of a lifetime is when wee took our adult kids on a nearly 2 week trip to Iceland a couple years ago. How often can you get 5 peoples schedules to align and for everyone to still like each other after doing a road trip and being together 24/7 for 12 days? We just got back from Iceland, and again a trip of a lifetime as we hiked the volcano and just sat and watched the magma. How often does one get to do that? Another trip of a lifetime was last December when it was myself, our daughter and our sons girlfriend and we did the Christmas markets in Munich and Salzburg. Girls trip and the Christmas markets were an ideal match. In a bad way, another trip of a lifetime was when we were in Europe when the pandemic hit. That was just bad as my husband got so sick and we barely made it home before everything shut down.

If a lottery was won, we would lease out our house, and take one of the World Cruises, like the Ultimate World Cruise through Royal Caribbean. We would select the full package. :)

As a trip that can never be repeated, that would have to be the first time I drove across the US from Baltimore MD to Tacoma WA, at 19, in 1976, to attend college. It was a life changing experience.

I guess "the trip of a lifetime" would fall into different categories. There is "life trip" and something more like "vacation trip" and a "habitat" trip and then for me "outdoor trip." Life trip would be my Peace Corps service in Ecuador 1994-96. That of course totally changed the trajectory of my life and how I see the world. Unsurpassed vacation trips would have to be Scotland in 2009--totally fell in love with the landscape, people, music, food, and atmosphere, and my first trip to Costa Rica in 2007---loved the people, food, wildlife, and lush surroundings and didn't want to leave. For an animal habitat trip--there is no place like Galapagos. It was astounding and so unique. My most phenomenal outdoor trip was 12 days backpacking the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska in 2011--made me even more committed to conservation, habitat, and the environment, and expanded my whole concept of what wilderness is, along with changing me to vegetarian.

Pete--We have spent a lot of time near there in AK. We have family that are native Athabaskan and their land is in the Brooks Range, just a few miles shy of the Gates of the Arctic. No village, no roads in/out, just their bush plane or by boat. It is amazing to go up there for a few weeks at a time and live that lifestyle. Our son learned to do laundry on a washboard when he was a teen and stayed up there for a summer. Our cousins parents were recognized numerous times for their contributions to the area and have been featured at the UAF Museum of the North.

Posted by Carroll

The only one that I would call a trip of a lifetime is Antarctica. We absolutely loved it and we will certainly never do it again.

I'd have to say Antarctica after reading a trip report on this website. Don't remember if it was you, Carroll, who posted it or someone else. Until reading that I had never considered Antarctica, but after reading the trip report thought this would be the closest to an "other-worldly place" that I think I could go on Earth. For some reason the Arctic doesn't seem as exotic.

But for me, the trips of a lifetime will be travelling the US and Europe to see my own country and the countries my ancestors left to come here. Then Asia and points south of the equator.

I'd really like to just be a hobo in retirement.

I have taken a few days to really think about this question (since I first read the post). And, I will add this is a hard question to answer, because we have been blessed to have traveled to all 7 continents, plus New Zealand (which is technically on a separate continental shelf from Australia), along with various "island" trips to the VI and BVI, and some incredible US/Canadian trips.

I still cannot narrow it down to JUST one, so I will answer with "categories."

For us, Antarctica with National Geographic was our ADVENTURE "trip of a lifetime" in the sense that we never, ever would have dreamed we would get there, and it was SUCH an amazing experience (more wonderful than we could have previously imagined). Greenland/Iceland, also with National Geographic, would come in second in the Adventure Category.

In the HERITAGE category, a trip to Ireland to meet a distant cousin (after a lot of research to find her), who then took us to see the ruins of the little cottage in which my grandmother was raised (exactly matching the old black/white photo I still have from my childhood) , then the home of the other great grandparents, the church, the cemetery, etc., and hearing about how times were when my cousin was a young girl.........that was truly an experience I never, even dreamed I would have. I remember as a child holding the photo and wondering that the country (way across the ocean was like, never dreaming someone like me from such a very modest upbringing would ever even (afford to) get on a plane). It was also a fabulous trip, because we split overnights between fabulous castles and modest B&Bs, each special in their own ways.

In the just WOW type travel, definitely Italy (3 trips) and Greece (for all the obvious reasons), but also special was seeing the vast tulip fields all in bloom as we traveled toward Kuekenhoff (where a fellow tour member jokingly commented he was surprised I had not yet gotten down to "roll" in the tulips). I am a big gardener and flower lover. Seeing that was very special!. Paris cannot be left out....very special.

Closer to home, Hawaii, which was later in life, was truly incredible and memorable, especially the two helicopter trips (one traveling over hot lava, the other over incredible waterfalls). Then just beach sitting/snorkeling at the old (now in ruins from a hurricane years ago) Caneel Bay Resort, on St. John was incredible (and was a repeat for us).

So, maybe the trip of a lifetime is really just that "our lifetime," which includes all the experiences we have had...locally or in travel....everything (including travel) that makes us who we are and what we aspire to......the impact we have had on others...the impact others have had on us....those little characteristics or good for which we might be remembered.

What would I still view as a travel "trip of a lifetime" not yet taken -- that would be one of the private jet tours around the world, seeing some relatively remote places (to which we have not yet traveled) and having some unique experiences every efficiently without the hassles of commercial air connections, etc., along with private access to certain venues and top guides. It would be the ta-da trip...likely the final international one....maybe.

........but I would still like to stay in one of the "hut type" rooms over the ocean on a tropical island..........

We have been very fortunate to travel as we wish, with some limitations of course ( kids, job). I think our trip of a lifetime might not have happened yet. A future World Cruise on Viking. Not booked yet, but soon. Antarctica would also fall in that category, fingers crossed 🤞🏻. Scuba diving in Galapagos, gorilla trekking in Uganda and safari in Tanzania could all be called Trip of a Lifetime. Egypt has been our most exotic locale.

What a wonderful thread! Thank you, Linnae, for starting it. Like you I have always made trava financial priority. I buy inexpensive but reliable cars and keep them at least 15 years. I bought a small, modest house when I was young and have stayed put, rather than upgrading as my salary increased over the years. I travel abroad generally once a year. It is hard to identify my trip of a lifetime (I actually hope that the BEST one may still be in my future), but I’ve narrowed it down to 3: my first trip to Europe after college. I was a country bumpkin, traveled around Europe for 5 weeks on a Eurail pass, and saw so many famous sites that I’d never in my wildest dreams I would ever see, growing up poor on a farm. Then when I turned 30 I quit my job and backpacked around the world for a year. Without a doubt the best life decision I’ve ever made. Then in 2005 I returned to New Zealand for 5 weeks - the most glorious place I think I’ve been. Did a 50-plus mile hike on the Queen Charlotte Trek, which is one of my best experiences ever. Who knows what’s around the corner?

A future World Cruise on Viking. Not booked yet, but soon. Antarctica would also fall in that category, fingers crossed 🤞🏻. Scuba diving in Galapagos, gorilla trekking in Uganda and safari in Tanzania could all be called Trip of a Lifetime. Egypt has been our most exotic locale.

I want to be Tammy when I grow up.

Love this topic and love the responses!

When I think of "trip of a lifetime" I think of a trip that cannot be replicated, either due to financial constraints, the companions, or just circumstances .

Like the trip as a child to Bhutan... Like the first trip to the UK which I had been planning for 40 years... Like the last trip with my 18-year-old to London and Paris, before he went off to college...

I love traveling so much - I hope there are many more "trips of a lifetime" ahead for all of us.

this is an excellent post!

I too have come to value travel above all else. It's a close #2 right after the importance of family. My trip of a lifetime is ongoing! I fell into a beautiful love affair with France. I also have a deep appreciation for Spain and vowed to reconnect with my Spanish heritage. Next year, it's on to Italy to fulfill my son's hankering for pasta! In short, it's an ongoing saga! Each time I get on a plane and land somewhere new...its a trip of a lifetime. Thank you for this post, by the way!

My "trip of a lifetime" was my first trip to Europe in 1985 at age 31, because it accomplished my goal of making a(singular) trip to Europe.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

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I think it’s safe to say that anyone who’s taken the time to build a “Bucket List” of things to accomplish has included at least one trip of a lifetime. Exactly what a “trip of a lifetime” looks like depends in great part on the “why” behind that particular dream.

It could mean . . .

* Your one chance to do all the things you want to do on one trip * A place that, for whatever reason, you’ll never be able to go again * A trip that will change your life beyond the actual journey

Wherever the destination, more than ever before, people are looking for travel experiences that will expand their horizons, remove them from their comfort zone, and serve as an opportunity to reevaluate what’s important in their lives.

“Travel is not a passive experience. Travel is not something we get done to us, like a haircut or a massage . Travel is not something out there we find on the road. The trip of a lifetime comes as much from inside as it does from outside . . . “ – Frank Bures, Author

What makes a trip life changing is partly the place, but also the joy, curiosity, knowledge and sincerity that we bring to the experience. It is the people we meet and how much we allow the experience to become a part of us that fulfills the promise and stays in our memories.

Sadly, too many people allow their trip of a lifetime to languish on “someday I’ll” list, too often never to be realized.

Life is just too short, and the older you get the faster the years seem to pass. So instead of leaving that trip on the backburner until you’re too old or too pooped to enjoy it. Why not decide today to take your trip of a lifetime . . . take the first step, and before you know it you know it you’ll be packing your bags.

But when you go, go there completely. Get to know the people, see the neighborhoods, learn the history and push your comfort zone by doing new things. Stay long enough to consider what’s really important in your life.

Now imagine how will you feel when you find yourself somewhere you’ve only dreamt of? Will the reality clash with the vision when you actually see the sunset off the Greek Isles, as opposed to seeing it in a photograph?

There is only one way to find out. . .

Marquita lives in Maui, Hawaii and her professional background includes a successful 20 year sales and marketing career as a "road warrior" traveling the world promoting the Hawaii, followed by seven years as award winning coach working with new entrepreneurs building a home based businesses. Currently she is indulging her passion for writing by growing a lifestyle blog and writing a book, while continuing to provide training and support to new entrepreneurs.

http://www.inspiredgiftgiving.com

Marquita Herald

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Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

meaning trip of a lifetime

Long-Term Travel Memories from a Trip of a Lifetime

Janice Waugh

August 1, 2023 by Janice Waugh

Image: Neuchatel where many travel memories were made

I have had the good fortune of enjoying many extraordinary trips. However, it is difficult to match my European trip of a lifetime. The travel memories are still clear as if it were last year.

This trip was not solo. It was before my husband passed and before the kids left home.

It was a family affair that involved one son in a Canadian school in Neuchâtel, Switzerland for 5 months; another (the youngest) I home-schooled; and my two older stepsons who came to visit on shorter stints. The trip was ten months in total, spending the first five in Neuchâtel and exploring the center of Europe and another five months going to destinations around the perimeter.

Ten months is definitely long term travel, which has many special benefits. It's a different kind of travel. Below are some of my favorite travel memories and what I learned about travel from my trip of a lifetime.

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Image: Father and son posing for photo on trip of a lifetime

Table of Contents

What It's Like to Take that Trip of a Lifetime

The trip you've always dreamed of is never exactly as expected.

It's important to know that, like at home, not every moment is perfect. There are good days and some not so good.

But, I have to say, with all the stimulation, with the freedom to change plans on a whim, to slow down when needed, and the excitement of never knowing what a day will bring, it's pretty great.

Here are a few things I loved about our long trip of a lifetime.

1. A new meaning of time.

I found a new meaning of time as we traveled. Time was ours to define. What we would do with it was up to us. We could stay as long as we wanted in a location or leave it quickly. Time was our ally, whereas at home, it can be an enemy.

2. So much room for spontaneity.

With ten months of travel available, there was no pressure to stick to a schedule. We were able to change plans on a moment's notice. On one occasion in Sicily, we decided that we needed to leave. We were near Mount Etna. Could we make it to Palermo in time for the ferry? Maybe. We raced across the island and were the last vehicle to board the ship. Spontaneity leads to fun travel memories.

3. The choice of traveling slowly.

A long-term trip is about taking one’s time and feeling a new location and culture rather than just viewing it. There is no need to rush to many destinations to see lots of different things. When you go slowly, you see more deeply. You see lots of different things in one location. For me, going slow also means having time to read and meander.

4. The pleasure of getting lost.

My son likes to remind me of my inclination to get intentionally lost. If I tired of one road, I’d spin off in a new direction on the next roundabout – a little disconcerting for a young navigator. But why not? As long as we were heading in the general direction of our destination, it didn't matter. It provided adventure.

5. The option to take a break from the road.

The pacing of a long-term trip is different from other travels and it may require more than slowing down. It may require stopping for a bit. Towards the end of our trip, we decided to take a break from the road and rent an apartment for six weeks in Amsterdam. We rented bikes and lived the city like locals. I’m a cycling enthusiast anyway, but in Amsterdam it was fabulous.

Favorite travel memories include driving through Spain with these olive trees in bloom

Some of My Favorite Travel Memories

Below are some of my favorite travel memories from this trip taken 20 years ago.

It has been a long time since the photos and video of the trip have been watched. Yet, still, images of certain moments from this trip of a lifetime remain solidly cast in my brain.

1. The wonder of seeing the world through children's eyes.

Some days, we stopped planning and let the kids do it all. There is no better way to learn than to teach others. By taking the reigns for a day, they got to learn in a different way and do what they wanted to do. For us, we could relax and just follow them around. Better yet, we had the opportunity to see the world through their eyes. This was one of the sources of inspiration for our Wits and Wonder Travel Course .

2. My 12 year old’s independence.

The first five months we were in the small apartment in Neuchâtel where our second youngest went to school for a semester. We traveled out but also stayed in that small, very safe city of 30,000. Here our youngest son was able to stretch and develop independence and street smarts that wouldn’t have been possible in Toronto.

3. European parades.

In North America we control our parades with police on the sidelines keeping people off the street. In Europe, they don’t. Everyone can get involved and they’re a little wild. In Neuchâtel we went to the annual Fête des Vendanges celebration of the grape harvest. A lot of wine was involved and they shot confetti out of canons! In Vilanova i la Geltrú in Spain, they celebrate Carnival by tossing candies into the streets. Not just a few. The streets of the entire town are so thick with candies that if you stop moving it’s a struggle to get your foot off the ground again.

4. Toledo and Don Quixote.

Hilltop towns hold a fascination for me; you don’t see them in North America. My favorite was Toledo, Spain, just south of Madrid. We camped outside the walled city and walked in every day. This is Don Quixote country and one of my favorite travel memories is my son singing “The Impossible Dream” in the central square.

5. Haus der Musik in Vienna.

The Haus der Musik was my favorite museum in Europe, yet few people have heard of it. My son found it and put it on our itinerary for that city. It’s located in central Vienna near St. Stephen’s Cathedral and the Vienna State Opera House. It’s interactive and playful and teaches the science as well as history of music.

6. Fields of olive trees.

One of the most beautiful parts of the trip was driving in central Spain. We drove for hours through rolling hills with olive trees in bloom.

7. Roman ruins.

My fascination with Roman ruins does not seem to end. Fortunately, you can see them everywhere in Europe, from Italy to Germany and beyond. My favorites are the aqueducts, like the one found outside of Tarragona, Spain. The ones that surprised me most were on the south side of Lac Neuchâtel where there was an incredibly intact Amphitheater at the Roman Museum in Avenches. There were absolutely no tourists when we were there.

8. The Alps.

The beauty of the Alps is truly breathtaking. I remember the first time I had a view of them in winter. The mountains were covered in snow with rocks jutting out against a brilliant blue sky. I was in awe. It is a sight one never tires of.

A model of Da Vinci's flying machine that we saw on our trip of a lifetime

The Joy of Camping in Europe

Permeating all my travel memories is our time camping.

1. Our VW Pop-up Camper.

We spent 10 months traveling Europe in the VW Pop-up Camper we rented. That camper was transportation and accommodation in one. It was our kitchen, bedrooms, music room, and more. It was reliable, affordable, and, even though it had a diesel engine, could cruise at 140 km/h without a problem. I get sentimental every time I see one. Pro tip: book on the off-season. The reason we traveled 10 months and not 12 was because the cost of the van for the additional two months would have been about the same as the total cost for the first ten.

2. Creative cooking in a van.

Risotto is the perfect meal for camping. The ingredients do not require refrigeration and it is cooked in one pot. Serve it with a salad and a glass of wine and you have an elegant, tasty dinner suitable for entertaining.

3. Luxury camping in France.

In France I’ve camped in a luxury resort, on the grounds of a Chateau, and on a beautiful terraced hillside. Camping in France is a wonderful experience, especially when they deliver fresh croissants to you in the morning. Esterel , on the Cote d'Azure, was the most luxurious we experienced.

4. Priceless camping sites for a pittance.

There are so many interesting locations for campgrounds. Our site outside of Florence was on top of a very high hill. We drove up for a while and then the road became steeper. And then steeper still. So much so that we had to rev up the van to get it up the last leg and into the campground. But, from that vantage point, from our campsite on the edge of a cliff near where Leonardo da Vinci tested his flying machine, we had a view of the Duomo in Florence. Priceless for a pittance.

I certainly hope that you, too will be able to realize your trip of a lifetime and savor your travel memories.

You might also enjoy Creating Travel Memories to Savor for a Lifetime .

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Extreme vacations: remember what ‘trip of a lifetime’ really means.

by Marie Teather

meaning trip of a lifetime

Taking a ‘trip of a lifetime’ is something of a cliché but should you be looking to journey to some of the most dramatic places on earth, trek through rainforests and desert plains, hike great mountain ranges, and experience the extremes of the Poles—that’s probably what you’re looking for.

Described as the Savile Row of adventure travel due to its bespoke and personalized service, Momentum Adventure organizes tailor made tours to some of the most unchartered areas of the globe.

Types of expeditions vary from sub zero experiences such as managing a dog team on the South Pole, sleeping in ice caves, heading to Sweden’s Polar Research Centre or skiing on pioneering trails into Lebanon. For something warmer you could try surviving in the Wilderness of Mongolia’s mountain ranges, jungle trekking in Borneo, or canoeing in the Yukon.

Due to the high level of personalized service, the company takes no more than twelve trips a year, each of them tailor-made for the most discerning of clients and following detailed preparation. Safety comes in small numbers and groups are made up of no more than six clients per trip.

Founded by explorer and adventurer Matthew Robertson who started the business following his love of exploration and his adventures with the world’s leading adventure guides.

Clients receive one-to-one consultations with Matthew and the team who have intimate knowledge of the destination. Every piece of requisite equipment includes top-of-the-range clothing as well as professional expedition photography as a memento of the journey.

Matthew accompanies the majority of the trips that are tailored according to each client’s needs and requirements. Trips are open to all fitness levels and even Matt recently received an enquiry for the Arctic from a family with two children—one who was only five years old.

Momentum Travel’s guides are expert leaders in their field: the Arctic guide Dave Pearce, for example, is head safety expert for Bear Grylls’ television documentaries and mountain guide John Falkiner has worked on over 70 films including James Bond’s Goldeneye as a skier, athlete, and stuntman.

So ditch the hotel pool or planning another vacation spent lying on the beach and bring back the true meaning of a ‘trip of a lifetime.’

Journeys start from approximately £5,000 per person approximately

www.momentumadventure.com

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25 of the best trips of a lifetime

From spotting the northern lights to seeing holland’s tulips in full bloom, these are the very best trips to take….

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E veryone’s got that one trip they’ve always been planning, the one forever on their bucket list, begging to be ticked off. What? You haven’t? Well, in that case, we’ve got some suggestions for the best trips of a lifetime on our beautiful blue planet.

Main photo: The river Douro in Porto, Portugal (Getty Images)

1. Take a small ship cruise in Croatia

Croatia specialises in sumptuous small ships: ones petite enough to nip into secluded bays, yet big enough to host kayaks, libraries and en suite staterooms. Most embark on a sun-kissed cruise around islands seldom seen by larger ships — of which there are over 1,200 to choose from. A case in point is the Kvarner Gulf. Centred around the sand-trimmed island of Losinj, expect an azure array of islets, channels and snorkel spots.

2. Get to know Angkor Wat

The ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia are often called the Eighth Wonder Of The World and you’ll never forget your first glimpse. Just a stone’s throw from Siem Reap, the ruins send a shiver down your spine. They’re best seen at dawn as the light touches the lotus-shaped towers, the carved reliefs of ancient apsara (heavenly dancing nymphs) strangely animated.

3. Spot the northern lights

Only a handful of destinations offer the chance to see the jaw dropping aurora borealis, where fluorescent shades colour the skies like sweepings from heaven. Visitors to Iceland can partake in this ethereal light show for a full eight months per year. Luck is also a factor, with some guests gaining their best view of the northern lights from the airport bus to Keflavik, which passes through an eerie midnight moonscape. Iceland also offers myriad other attractions by day, from geysers to glaciers and grand waterfalls. Finnish Lapland is a another great option to see the world’s greatest light show.

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The art deco bar lounge on the -Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express (Alamy)

4. Ride the Orient Express to Venice

Gone are the days when Balkan royalty, Bulgarian assassins and even Agatha Christie rode the luxury train from Paris to Istanbul. However the current incarnation of the Orient Express still encourages gentlemen to dress for dinner, à la Hercule Poirot. This two-trains-in-one service rides the Belmond British Pullman from London, before 1920s carriages salvaged from the Compagnie Internationale des Wagons-Lits pick up passengers at Calais for a luxurious night ride through Europe .

5. Sip port in Porto

Sandeman, Taylor’s, Graham’s. For centuries, port’s most famous marques have shipped barrels into the Atlantic Ocean from the Porto dockside, itself part of a Unesco world heritage site. Now each warehouse offers bespoke tastings of 10, 20 and 30-year-old vintages. Art shows, cheese tastings and even traditional fada music concerts are sometimes performed alongside. True port aficionados can ride the train or cruise boat up the Douro River past endless vineyards. Both rail and river were used to haul barrels of port back to Porto until the 1960s.

6. Take an Italian cooking course

It’s a pastoral dream to roll one’s own pasta or stir an unctuous passata di pomodoro on a sun-kissed morning in Italy . Fortunately, local bilingual chefs are on hand to teach hungry students how to make panna cotta or torta della nonna in every Italian province from Tuscany to Puglia. The best thing? Italian cooking courses are normally hosted in the most charming of inns and villas, with organic orchards and lashings of local wine thrown in.

7. Explore the Pompeii ruins

In AD79 a pyroclastic cloud from Mount Vesuvius inundated Pompeii, preserving the Roman city in volcanic ash. Fortunately for historians, Pompeii was a wealthy settlement. The in situ snapshot of ritzy Roman life includes forums, baths and centrally heated villas, plus erotic frescoes and witty graffiti. Cobbled streets around the Temple of Apollo and Stabian Baths have been peeled back to their original state, rendering any visit a ghostly stroll back to classical times.

8. Take a rail trip in the Scottish Highlands

When travelling through the United Kingdom’s most majestic wilderness, one might pass white sand beaches, redundant railway tracks, lochs, peaks and more Gothic castles than Bavaria. The particular appeal of the Highlands is the lonesome proximity to wildlife and the vivid canvas of vegetation, which colours from pastel moorland to deep forest. The best, and most memorable, way to see them is on locomotion, where you can start things off at the base of Ben Nevis and snake around freshwater lochs.

9. Cruise the Danube

No river navigates more countries, or passes through a greater historical timeline, than the mighty Danube. Some claim river cruises come into their own at the four Danubian capitals of Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest and Belgrade, where passengers can jump ship for art, wine, baths and culture. Others prefer the natural highlights of Austria’s forests, Croatia’s vineyards or the Iron Gates gorge in Romania. What’s clear is that a tranquil riparian sojourn, with wine on tap and bikes at the ready, will float anyone’s boat.

10. Walk the Great Wall of China

China is home to iconic Unesco world heritage sites such as the Forbidden City, giant pandas, the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army and — perhaps best of all — the majestic Great Wall. While it would take over six months to walk in full, taking a section to trek is definitely worthwhile — as well as being more family-friendly.

11. Take a bath in Budapest

The Hungarian capital is blessed by 125 thermal sources. Since Ottoman times these have been channelled into gloriously rococo bathing establishments. Rudas Baths dates from Turkish occupation and still offers the hammam, body scrub and underwater massage services from times past — plus strictly segregated bathing on weekdays. Gellert Baths opened in 1918, making them a spring chicken in thermal terms. Here art nouveau touches meet with Thai massages, plus mixed-sex bathing daily from 6am.

The Torvehallerne indoor food market in Copenhagen, Denmark (Alamy)

12. Munch Michelin stars in Copenhagen

13. vineyard tasting tour in champagne.

Vineyard tours in the rolling hills of Champagne can be undertaken by eBike, luxury car, private coach or even vintage 2CVs. Each excursion couples a visit to one of 2,400 local producers, which may specialise in sparkling rosé, pairings with local fish or cheese or – increasingly frequently – fully organic production.

You must visit one of the grand Maisons de Champagne in Épernay or Reims. At both Pommery and Moët & Chandon, subterranean cellars stretch for tens of kilometres, with bubbly tastings after every tour.

14. Swim with dolphins in the Azores

The jade-tinted waters of the Azores are brimming with pods of dolphins — and it’s one of the only places where you can swim alongside them guilt-free, if you fancy adding this amazing experience to your bucket list. The best way to do this is to take a class with a local marine biologist. They’ll explain how you can encounter dolphins respectfully, before giving you the chance to clip on a snorkel and swim side by side with a pod.

15. Go on a grown-up interrailing trip

Things have changed since the Interrail pass launched in 1972 for under-21s. Interrailing for grown-up gappers is in a class of its own, with both adult and discounted senior passes, as well as unlimited train travel through 30 European nations. Many first-timers go for broke with itineraries panning from Istanbul to northern Norway via Portugal ’s Atlantic shores. A more sedate way to travel is via a single country pass for, say, Italy or Spain , offering anything from three to 30 days of track-side culture.

Piazza del Campo covered in a layer of sand in preparation for the Palio race in Siena, Italy (Alamy)

16. Have a punt on the Palio

Siena’s Palio was a suitable backdrop for James Bond in A Quantum of Solace . The extraordinary horse race is a riot of colour and chivalry contested by 17 of the city’s historic districts (contrada). There is no better way to see than with a trackside view, watching the Palio from an apartment balcony right on the Piazzo. The race is fast, furious and subject to somewhat elastic rules: don’t be afraid to ask a local what it is going on.

17. Meet Malaysia’s orphaned orangutans

Coming face to face with Malaysia ’s extraordinary wildlife is just one part of this visit to Borneo. The Semenggoh Nature Reserve and Sepilok Orangutan Centre work to rehabilitate orphaned primates and trip here include meeting the keepers and some of their young charges. But that’s not all Borneo has on offer. Meet orangutans and pygmy elephants, enjoy the beaches of Kota Kinabalu, pause for thought at the monuments to Allied prisoners of the Second World War.

Varanasi, India (Getty Images)

18. Go beyond the Golden Triangle

One cannot miss Jaipur, the Taj Mahal and Delhi: these are the corners of the Golden Triangle and the key to any classic tour of India. But there is much more to see in India. The sacred river Ganges is the lifeblood of Varanasi, just as the tigers of Ranthambore National Park are the symbol of the subcontinent.

19. Walk on the wild side in Costa Rica

From white sandy beaches to the towering Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica lives up to its Spanish name: the “Rich Coast”. For visitors, wildlife has long been the main attraction, with cougars, crocodiles, toucans and tree sloths among its 300 indigenous species. Nature lovers will be in their element in San Jose and the Tortuguero National Park and adrenaline junkies are also catered for, with the zip lines and high rope bridges of the Arenal Volcano National Park. Visits to farm and a cocoa plantation provide an opportunity to meet the locals, a cooking class will bring the flavour of Costa Rica back home and soaking in the country’s hot springs will soothe any aches and pains. The Pacific ocean and the proximity to the United States lap one side of the country, with the Caribbean in reach on the other.

Trinidad, Cuba (Alamy)

20. Drink in Cuba’s charms

Daiquiris and mojitos are as much a part of Cuba as Cohiba cigars and vintage cars. Visitors will experience both the queen of cocktails and the king of cigars in grand style. There is time to explore in Havana before embarking on a tour of the island, from laid-back Viñales to the cobbled streets of Trinidad and the Bay of Pigs.

There is more to Cuba than revolution and resistance: dance the rumba, learn to mix cocktails, visit a cigar factory, tour in a vintage open top car and swim in the clear waters of the Bay of Pigs.

21. Tour two continents in a single day

Istanbul played host to three empires: the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman. For two millennia the city has been divided across two continents, allowing visitors to sip tea in Europe, lunch in the markets of Asia , then return to European shores for a seafood feast at sunset. The ferries that cross the Bosphorus Straits offer 15 minutes of sightseeing heaven, with the Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque visible from the prow. A new sub sea Metro service also connects Europe and Asia via a deep Bosphorus tunnel.

Geirangerfjord, Norway (Getty Images)

22. Cruise Norway’s fjords in summer

Nowhere on Earth couples such towering topography, where Tolkien-esque cliffs dwarf even the grandest of cruise ships. Dramatic waterways like Geirangerfjord inspire awe with their otherworldly grandeur — as well as offering opportunities to kayak, visit local farms, make a mountain bike descent, or a RIB “safari”. Furthermore, Norway’s mile-high mountains — and mile-deep seas — maintain an edge-of-the-world ecosystem replete with white-tailed eagles and Atlantic dolphins.

The Temple of Hercules Ruins at the Amman Citadel, Jordan (Alamy)

23. Go back in time in Jordan

The ancient city of Petra awaits, with its blush-coloured rock formations and ancient tombs lit by candles come nightfall. Head to Wadi Rum if you want to stargaze from martian pods, or swap floating in the Dead Sea for splashing about in the hot springs waterfall at Ma’in. Don’t just pass through the capital, Amman, without a visit. You’ll find a huge a Roman amphitheatre constructed during the reign of Emperor Antonius and a magical hilltop citadel perfect for soaking up the echoes of prayer calls as you peer out across the city and its multiple mosques.

24. Dive in the Great Barrier Reef

Probably one of the world’s most incredible underwater scenes — bar perhaps the Galapagos Islands — it’s no wonder the Great Barrier Reef is Australia’s pride and joy. While it’s impressive from above — it’s actually the only living structure that can be seen from outer space — sink below the surface and you’ll find everything from luminescent coral gardens, white-tipped reef sharks and marine turtles to butterflyfish and sea snakes.

25. See Holland’s tulips in bloom

Spring in Holland is more a of natural wonder than a trip of a lifetime as such, but not one to overlook. Visit to find over 800 varieties of tulips bursting into bloom, spreading a riot of colour across the landscape. The best place to see them is Keukenhof Gardens between the end of March and mid-May.

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As The Sparrow Flies

Where would you go for the trip of a lifetime?

  • June 29, 2018
  • No comments
  • 6 minute read

Long time readers of this blog will know that in recent years, I’ve stuck firmly to the city break as my holiday type of choice. City breaks are perfect when you want to see a lot of the world, but you are on a budget, both in terms of time and of course money. I can leave on a Friday, return on a Sunday and have a whole heap of new food in my belly, photos on my camera and memories of a new destination without having to sacrifice a lot of my holiday allowance. In fact last year I went on 14 trips in total, all around a full time job.

But before that, and before this blog kicked off properly I was a two weeks in the sun kind of girl.  I thought that’s how you did travel. You took 10-12 days of your holiday allowance for that once in a year sort of trip, and used the rest for life admin and Christmas. I managed to travel to Mexico, Costa Rica, Cuba and the Dominican Republic that way, and I do not regret spending a few years holidaying in that way and having time to see places in a way that suited my life back then.

meaning trip of a lifetime

For now, I’m at a bit of a travel crossroads. I keep a piece of paper stuck to my wall with all the potential destinations I could visit in a year – city breaks in Poland, a short beach holiday in Cyprus, a heritage visit to a cute town in the UK. All of these are manageable if I work hard and save my pennies. But I’ve been yearning for more. I want a longer adventure, some time to relax (I haven’t had more than 7 straight days off work for three years) and a destination that is a little bit fabulous.

But the longer adventures, and the something a little bit fabulous will need a budget that I just don’t have right now. There’s the mortgage to pay, the house renovations to complete (that hole in my back wall is getting bigger by the day) and the ever present reality that soon I might have a little Sparrow to spend my pennies on.

So it is pretty incredible to have been shortlisted for The Post Office Affordable Travel Blogger of the Year Award , and a prize of £5,000 to spend on the trip of a lifetime.

*opens the party poppers, pours a gin and tonic*

I’ve thought long and hard about what a trip of a lifetime would mean to me, given my desire to go a little further, and for a little longer than my average two night break. I considered Fiji, a visit to Kruger National Park in South Africa, Lord of the Rings spotting in New Zealand or maybe even a USA road trip. But there is only one place that I really dream about, and that brings tears of joy to my eyes when I think about it (honestly, I cry at everything).

I want to go and visit the swimming pigs on Exuma Island in the Bahamas.

meaning trip of a lifetime

Those swimming pigs

Yes, you heard that right. There is a place in this big wide world of ours where where pigs swim in the sea – a phenomenon that doesn’t occur anywhere else, and it just so happens to be in one of the most beautiful places on the planet. There are many theories as to how this happened, many linked right back to the explorations of Christopher Columbus. I’ve watched the video  that I stumbled across one night whilst in a You Tube black hole at least a hundred times, and I’m desperate to get under the skin of this a little more, and find out about the history of this island, and how these gorgeous animals came to exist so far away from the habitat we might associate with them in the UK.

You could, by now, call it an obsession.

The swimming pigs live on Exuma, a district of the Bahamas, consisting of over 365 islands which are known as cays. I’ll be honest and say that I was never particularly drawn to the Bahamas as a holiday destination before the magical pigs led me on a journey of internet discovery. Don’t get me wrong, it really looks like paradise but I’m not a sunbathe on the beach type of girl, and when I have been to a destination like this in the past it’s always been combined with cultural activities and visiting cities too.

meaning trip of a lifetime

But I couldn’t have been more wrong about the Bahamas, and it’s now perched high on the top of my bucket list. Actually, nothing else on my bucket list really matters!

Staying in Nassau

The Bahamas are made up of over 700 islands and cays, meaning that there is so much to explore and do. That said, I’d stay opt to stay in Nassau , the capital of the Bahamas, because from there it is an easy day trip to hang out with the swimming pigs, and if it were possible I’d totally do that twice!

If I had the chance to stay in Nassau itself, I wouldn’t be short of other things to explore. The imposing Fort Fincastle (built in 1793), colonial streets and pastel hued buildings, a gorgeous lonely lighthouse to photograph and Arawak Cay, known for its street food culture.

meaning trip of a lifetime

The Cloisters, located on Paradise Island within Nassau look especially beautiful – the remnants of a 14th century French monastery that was brought to the island. Apparently the views from here over the whole of Nassau are breathtaking, and I do enjoy a good view.

There are plenty of amazing hotels in Nassau too – including the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar  and Breezes , both of which would certainly hit my criteria of being a little bit fabulous and allow me to really relax between adventuring! It is the trip of a lifetime after all.

Exploring further afield

Given there are so many islands and cays to visit, I’d love to squeeze in some time exploring a little further afield. The Glass Window Bridge is unlike anything else I’ve ever seen before, and visiting would give me the opportunity to see another area of The Bahamas, Eleuthera. It’s known as the “narrowest place on earth” and is where the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea meet.

Lucayan National Park is home to a spectacular system of underground caves. Whilst I can’t scuba dive, it is also home to many hiking trails which is something I’d love to do (and I’m sure will bring back memories of hiking in the rainforest in Costa Rica). Gold Rock Beach is also located inside the park boundary and I’m sure that I could manage a nice little sit down in the sun taking it all in!

meaning trip of a lifetime

Finally, Harbour Island is home to many historical landmarks and natural areas of beauty that are well worth seeing. Firstly, it is home to the famous Pink Sands Beach , pink hued from  the 4,000 species of forams that live in the sand. Secondly, if I look hard enough I’ll find a hidden and very much overgrown 17th century battery built by the English to defend the island (and I love ruined places). And finally, I really want to see some of that colonialist architecture, so I’ll try and sneak a peek at the  Commissioner’s Residence , built in 1913.

Let the voting commence!

You can head on over to The Post Office website  to vote for me as Affordable Travel Blogger of the Year until midnight on Tuesday 17th July, and hopefully make my trip of a lifetime a reality. I’ve never spent anywhere close to £5000 on a trip, and to be able to do something so special and so completely fabulous would make my decade. And I’d of course take you all on that journey with me through my photography and stories from this stunning destination.

Weekend In Salisbury

If you’ve enjoyed my city break guides, UK day trip tips or musings on how travel can still be a part of your life if you work full time, I’d so appreciate your vote. And if not – I hope you enjoy the idea of swimming pigs as much as I do – here’s that video of them again one more time . You’re welcome.

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23 Trips of a Lifetime to Plan this Year

At Indagare, we’re always dreaming of our next adventure (and fondly remembering previous ones). This year, again, planning ahead feels challenging in an unpredictable world. Still, we’re dusting off our proverbial travel wish lists with a renewed sense of wanderlust.

Where in the world can measure up to the lofty hopes of a 2022 traveler? Read on for our list of 23 destinations on our minds now for sensational journeys, from the silent steppes of Mongolia to the cosmopolitan bustle of Mexico City. And while some of these destinations are still closed to international arrivals, or are currently experiencing a surge in Covid, planning early can help ensure you have the best experience possible as soon as you’re able.

Related: How to Build Your Bucket List

Contact us to answer your travel questions or consult with our expert trip designers to start planning your next trip today.

An Epic Safari in Kenya

An African safari is one of the most thrilling trips for wildlife lovers. One destination that’s reemerged as a favorite for Indagare is Kenya . The birthplace of the modern safari, which translates to “journey” in Swahili, Kenya has inspired generations of visitors. Expect the quintessential, pulled-from-a-movie East African landscapes (films like Out of Africa and even The Lion King are set here)—but also snow-capped mountains, arid deserts lush coastlines, with plentiful wildlife experiences that incorporate big game (and the Great Migration) plus exotic birdlife. But a visit to Kenya is so much more than a nature trip. Known as the “cradle of humanity,” this is where some of the earliest humans walked. And today, it’s home to a diverse culture of more than 40 distinct ethnic groups and the cosmopolitan hub of Nairobi.

Ideal length of stay: Seven days

The Quintessential South Pacific Sojourn in Fiji

This South Pacific archipelago—with more than 800 islands and islets, of which just over 100 are inhabited—is a dream destination for experiencing far-flung tropical beauty. Visitors to Fiji can explore its jungles (the country ranks near the top for its forest integrity) and go on multi-island sailing excursions. And for the ultimate Fijian getaway, COMO Laucala Island is a five-square-mile private-island retreat. Guests at its 25 bungalows enjoy myriad water and land activities, including access to a mini-submarine and an America’s Cup racing yacht—as well as the postcard-perfect beaches that surround the lush, hilly island.

Ideal length of stay: Five days

Related: Indagare Index: The World’s Top Hotels

The Eternal French Connection

Whether you’ve never set foot there, or—like many Indagare members and many on our team—you usually go every year, it’s impossible to ignore the allure of France . Paris is a global capital for culture, fashion and food, and travelers could have a “trip of a lifetime” simply by exploring its multifaceted arrondissements for days on end. The rest of the country calls, too. We love adding in time along the French Riviera along with wine tastings and chateaux visits in Bordeaux and the Loire Valley .

Ideal length of stay: 10 days

Into the Wild in Alaska

The 49th State is another of the world’s great ecological masterpieces, with hundreds of thousands of square miles of protected wilderness. What’s in store: glacier-capped mountain ranges, vast tundras, rushing rivers and blankets of boreal forests, all home to elk, moose, caribou, brown bear, wolves and more. Indagare’s favorite Alaska lodges each give guests prime access to explore the untamed terrain, be it by foot, helicopter, horseback or bike. A top destination for fly-fishing, skiing and hiking, Alaska always brings the adventure.

Ideal length of stay:10 days

Related: 13 Ultimate Wilderness Vacations

The Magic of Morocco

has long been a treasured destination for both Indagare staff and members. It is a country of dramatic contrasts: the dunes of the Sahara Desert, the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains and the seductive allure of cities like Marrakech , Tangier and Fez . Visitors here can spend days wandering through centuries-old medinas, browsing the souks and spice markets, exploring secret oasis-like gardens, and marveling at the Moorish architecture and sublime natural setting. Another plus: Morocco is home to some of Indagare’s favorite hotels in the world, including glamorous palatial retreats and soulful riad boutiques.

Ideal length of stay: Five to 10 days

Slovenia, Europe’s Secret Gem

Tucked between the Alps and the Adriatic, Slovenia is a fascinating melting pot of cultures and traditions. It shares the same physical beauty (and much of the history) of its neighbors Italy, Croatia, Austria and Hungary, yet receives just a fraction of the visitors—and has an energetic spirit all its own. What’s in store: a verdant Adriatic coastline, historic cities with imperial grandeur, the towering Julian Alps, picture-postcard castles and the rolling Brda winelands (which happen to produce excellent vintages).

Ideal length of stay: Six days

Related: 7 Up-and-Coming Wine Regions to Know Now

Venturing to Antarctica in its Natural State

The White Continent, with a population of scientific researchers and penguins, is one of the most remote destinations a traveler can experience. Since it’s regulated by international law, overtourism—for now—is a non-issue. Climate Change, unfortunately, is still a major concern, and Antarctica is one of the places on earth where its effects, both current and potential, are most worrying. That added urgency has led a clutch of responsible travel outfitters to offer sustainable adventures there, hoping visitors will become entranced by Antarctica’s rugged, icy beauty and double down on their efforts to preserve it for future generations. That was the case for Colin Heinrich, Indagare’s Impact Manager. Read his essay on visiting Antarctica,  here .

Ideal length of stay: 10 days round-trip cruising.

Culture & Cuisine in Japan

A country at once steeped in tradition and driven by an embrace of the future. One of the world’s most beloved cuisines. Glass and steel high-rises overlooking historic temples, with Mount Fuji rising in the distance. Japan checks all the boxes for travelers in search of cultural stimulation. And while we weren’t able to attend the Olympics this year, it’s still possible to look ahead to future visits. A comprehensive journey here includes time in Tokyo (the world’s largest metropolis), Kyoto (famed for its temples), the monuments at Hiroshima and Mount Fuji, with overnights at soothing ryokans.

Ideal length of stay: 14 days

The Best of Italy

The ideal Italian visit has so many permutations: Rome to Florence to Venice ; the Amalfi Coast and Capri ; the countryside of Tuscany plus Milan and Lake Como or the Dolomites ; Puglia and Sicily ....The options and combinations are endless, each with one hand full of pros and not a single con in the other. One thing to keep in mind when considering your Italy wishlist: balancing culture-heavy days in its historic towns and cities with time spent simply being in Italy. That could mean meandering the ancient streets of those same cities, or venturing into the country, coasts or mountains. La dolce vita is real. Contact your Trip Designer for help with planning a trip that best suits your interests and preferences.

Multilayered Discoveries in Cambodia

Some of the world's most impressive ruins complexes, coupled with a deeply spiritual society and a complicated history make Cambodia a treasured big ticket trip for Indagare members. An itinerary here combines stops in Siem Reap , near the incredible Angkor complex , as well as to Phnom Penh , the country's buzzing, artsy capital city with must-visit memorials and museums devoted to the not-so-distant past of the Khmer Rouge regime. And along the coast, tropical islands shelter luxurious and soul-enriching retreats.

The Northern Lights in Scandinavia

No place can guarantee seeing nature’s greatest light show, but the northern reaches of Scandinavia have a stellar track record—along with some of Indagare’s favorite polar properties. During the winter months, days are short, but filled with activities like snowshoeing, dog-sledding and cross-country skiing. And come sunset—as early as 2:00 p.m. in some spots—there’s the magic of anticipation, as travelers await the aurora borealis dancing across the night sky. Indagare Tip: We love combining trips to Northern Scandinavia (including in Norway as well as Finnish and Swedish Lapland ) with stops in the region’s southern cities, like Oslo , Stockholm and Helsinki .

Ideal length of stay: Six to 10 days, to maximize chances of seeing the Lights

Cultural & Style Overload in Mexico City

Few places inspire and ignite the senses like Mexico City —the oldest capital in the Americas, one of the world’s most populous cities and a favorite urban getaway for Indagare members. Recent decades have brought a modern renaissance that celebrates both Mexico’s cultural heritage and its contemporary innovations. The city is home to a staggering collection of must-see museums and galleries, high-design shops and a globally renowned food scene that includes some of the most-lauded fine-dining restaurants and street food alike. Overwhelming in size and scope, Mexico City lures travelers for multiple visits, so they can discover the city’s many layers.

Ideal length of stay: Six to eight days

A Spiritual Hiking Retreat in Bhutan

Deep in the Himalayas, Bhutan ’s allure is twofold: its fascinating culture which remains proudly distinctive thanks to centuries of isolation—shut off from the world by geography—and its jaw-dropping mountainscapes. Ideal visits here include stops in several valleys, heading on daily hikes through the foothills to see Buddhist temples, monasteries and shrines, including the iconic Tiger’s Nest, and staying at chic, soulful mountain lodges along the way. Indagare can help you determine which lodge combination is right for you, based on your interests and needs.

Time-Traveling Through Egypt

Few destinations allow travelers to feel the weight of history so tangibly as Egypt. Its sheer span of existence boggles the mind: Cleopatra’s reign is closer in years to the moon landing than to the construction of the pyramids at Giza. The country is also home to more than one third of all the world's antiquities, and archaeologists keep unearthing more: Last November, Egyptologists announced the discovery of more than 100 near perfectly preserved mummies in Saqqara, and this April, a 3,000-year-old lost city was uncovered near Luxor. By the end of 2022, the highly anticipated and long-delayed Grand Egyptian Museum is finally set to open.

A Soulful Escape in Mongolia

Like Bhutan, Mongolia is a mythic destination. Sprawling over vast steppe plains north of the Gobi Desert, it is the world’s least densely-populated country. Outside of the capital, Ulaanbaatar, it feels—and largely is—empty, with few people, structures or even trees. It is precisely this sense of isolation that attracts travelers. Visitors here can experience true silence and stillness, while also encountering a rich cultural legacy that maintains its traditions passed down over centuries.

Evolution on View in the Galápagos

Charles Darwin helped put the Galápagos on the traveler’s map when he published On the Origin of Species in 1859. More than 150 years later, this isolated volcanic archipelago in the Pacific, now part of Ecuador, still attracts naturalists and nature lovers who want an immersive wildlife experience. Endemic highlights include marine iguanas, Galápagos penguins, and the Galápagos tortoise. Visitors can set up a home base on one of the islands, or island-hop via a charter yacht or scheduled sailing.

Peru: Machu Picchu & Beyond

features prominently in many jetsetter’s travel dreams. The mountaintop ruins, which date to the 1450s, are often the main draw, and many Indagare members have enjoyed both hiking the Inca Trail or taking the fabulous Hiram Bingham train from Belmond to get there. But  Peru is so much more than the—admittedly jaw-dropping—UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only are there lesser-frequented Inca ruins throughout the Sacred Valley , but there are fascinating cities like Cusco and the too-often ignored Lima , a rising mecca for gourmands. Plus, travelers can venture into the headwaters of the Amazon and swim in Lake Titicaca.

Ideal length of stay: Seven days for Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu; longer for additional exploring.

The Multiple Worlds of Chile

Spanning barely 200 miles at its widest point, yet extending 2,600 miles north to south, Chile is an enigma. In the high-altitude Atacama Desert , salt flats and Mars-like red dunes meet the Andes; along the coast, visitors can find some of South America’s most fabulous beaches and colorful fishing towns; Patagonia is a lush wilderness of rolling mountains, fjords and glaciers; and Santiago de Chile is one of the world’s most modern metropolises, with some of the tallest peaks of the Andes forming a backdrop to its skyline of highrises. The perfect trip here relishes these distinctive regions, and sees travelers embarking on a comprehensive tour through the country—with the option to add in Easter Island or Argentina’s wine country in Mendoza .

Cultural Resilience and Great Ape Encounters in Rwanda

We share around 96 and 98 percent of our DNA with gorillas and chimpanzees, respectively, and seeing them in their natural habitat is a life goal for many in the Indagare community. The experience involves trekking from one of Rwanda ’s lodges into national parks, where the endangered gorillas and chimpanzees go about their social lives hidden in the dense mountain forests. What many travelers don’t know is that the journey plays a crucial role in protecting gorillas and chimps. Visits help fund critical conservation efforts, as well as continue to divert local economies and communities away from illegal poaching towards more sustainable practices. But a visit to Rwanda should always include Kigali, not just for a sobering visit to the Kigali Genocide Memorial (a must), but also for a look at Rwanda today. The people of Rwanda continue to open their hearts to outsiders, sharing their own stories from the horrors of 1994 and the years after, as they came together over a shared mission: lasting, meaningful peace. Indagare’s favorite itineraries combine jungle and city, using the country’s top guides and stopping at the best hotels, art galleries, shops and restaurants.

Following the Ancients in Greece

Like Egypt, Greece holds a special place in the hearts of history lovers. Athens , of course, is a must, both for its incredible ruins in and around the city, and for its laid-back, cosmopolitan energy. But even the contemporary beach destinations have ties to the past.  Mykonos  is the best home base for visiting Delos, one of the most powerful trading cities in the Ancient Mediterranean, and mythological birthplace of twin gods Apollo and Artemis. Santorini , meanwhile, is potentially the site of the lost city of Atlantis. Visits to the ruins of Delphi and Olympus on the Peloponnese, as well as of Knossos on Crete , can all be combined with fabulous resort stays. Not sure where to start? Our team helps you figure out which sites—ancient or otherwise—are the best match for your trip, and can craft a customized itinerary around your wishes.

Related: Secret Greece: Our Favorite Under-the-Radar Greek Islands

Safari, Wine, Art & Surf in South Africa

is what Indagare calls a “slam dunk” destination: for almost any type of traveler, the country offers something worth traveling for. And often, that something feels out-of-this-world amazing. Of course, there is some of Africa’s best wildlife-viewing at top lodges and tented camps, from Kruger to KwaZulu-Natal. Beyond the bush, visitors can spend days crisscrossing the lush Winelands, driving along the coastal Garden Route and sightseeing in Johannesburg and Cape Town. The two cities are a study of contrasts: both have become global art hubs, yet they have strikingly different histories and culinary scenes.

Ideal length of stay: Seven to 10 days

Related: Indagare Matchmaker: Best Safaris in Africa

Adventure Overdrive in New Zealand

popularized New Zealand back in the early 2000s, cementing it as one of the world’s most visually stunning destinations. Two decades later—and more than a year since we’ve been able to visit—the country is still on our minds. It tops the wish list for many adventurers, with heli-skiing, fly-fishing, mountain hiking, and volcano touring all within reach from some of Indagare’s most adored, intimate hotels. First time visitors will want to schedule time on both the North and South islands, with wildly different scenery. The country is still closed to visitors, but we hope to be able to return by 2022.

Note: A backlog of postponed 2020 and 2021 trips makes planning New Zealand particularly challenging. And since the country’s top properties are small in scale, finding availability for a multi-stop trip can be a puzzle. Contact us to discuss options with an Indagare Trip Designer, who can coordinate stays at multiple lodges throughout the country.

A Multi-sensory Journey to India

We are eagerly awaiting a return to India . Its intoxicating, multi-sensory blend of culture, color and cuisine, with a complex history and vibrant contemporary scene make it a perennial favorite destination for many in the Indagare community. The massive country is home to some of the world’s largest and distinctive cities, like Delhi , Agra , Jaipur , Udaipur and Mumbai , and a dream trip here takes its time to explore each one—plus stops in gorgeous parks for spectacular wildlife, including the elusive tiger. And between visits to sites like the Taj Mahal and Hawa Mahal, a day or two should be set aside simply for relaxing on-property at the country’s indulgent palace hotels . We hope to revisit as soon as it is safe to do so. Contact us to discuss future options with an Indagare Trip Designer.

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25 Thank You for the Trip of a Lifetime Messages You Can Use!

If you’ve had a trip of a lifetime and shared that experience with someone, the least you can do is thank them!

A thank you note is the perfect way to show your gratitude for the special time and memories you shared.

If you’re looking for inspiration as to what to say; here are examples of ‘thank you for the trip of a lifetime’ messages you can use!

25 Thank You for the Trip of a Lifetime

  • “Thanks so much for being part of what I would call a trip of a lifetime! I can’t believe how much fun we had, and while it’s a shame it came to an end, the memories will last a lifetime!”
  • “Thank you so much for taking me on the trip of a lifetime. It was an incredible experience and one I will never forget!”
  • “Thanks for giving me the trip of a lifetime! The sights, sounds, smells – all are burned into my mind forever. You’ve made this journey complete.”
  • “I couldn’t have asked for anything better than the trip we had together. Thank you so much for making it happen and sharing it with me!”
  • “From offering to take me on the adventure of a lifetime to showing me around each spot we visited – thank you so much for doing everything you did during our time away.”
  • “It’s been such a pleasure spending this incredibly special time with you. Thank you for everything, including the trip of a lifetime.”
  • “I don’t know how to thank you enough for this amazing experience. I’m so grateful to have had the chance to go on the trip of a lifetime with you!”
  • “Thank you for this incredible journey. It was more than I ever could’ve hoped for and will stay in my heart forever.”
  • “I’m so lucky that I had you by my side throughout this life-changing trip. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!”
  • “This was an unforgettable experience of a lifetime, and one that wouldn’t have been possible without your invitation! Thanks again for such an incredible time away.”
  • “Your kindness and generosity enabled me to enjoy the best kind of trip – one that I won’t soon forget! Thank you for treating me to the trip of a lifetime.”
  • “You opened my eyes to so much beauty and wonder on this journey. I’m so thankful for your guidance, kindness, and patience. Really, thank you for giving me the trip of a lifetime!”
  • “It’s not often that I get to experience something this incredible, and it was all thanks to you! Thanks for giving me the opportunity to go on the trip of a lifetime.”
  • “Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking me with you on such an amazing adventure. I learned so much and will never forget our time together – it truly was a trip of a lifetime!”
  • “There are no words to express how amazing this trip was and what it meant to me. Thank you for giving me the chance to experience it.”
  • “I feel so lucky that I was able to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with you! Thanks for all your help in making it happen!”
  • “You have no idea how much this time away meant to me. I’m truly grateful for everything – especially being invited on the trip of a lifetime!”
  • “Thank you, thank you, thank you! You made this such an unforgettable journey, one that I will cherish forever. It was truly a trip of a lifetime.”
  • “This journey has been more special than anything else I could’ve imagined. Big thanks to you for making it happen and sharing it with me!”
  • “Thanks so much for giving me the chance to experience the trip of a lifetime. It was an incredible time, one that I’ll never forget.”
  • “I’m still in awe of everything we got to do on this journey together! Thanks for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to have a truly unforgettable trip.”
  • “Thank you for all your hard work in making this such an amazing adventure. I will forever remember our time together – it was definitely a trip of a lifetime!”
  • “I’m so grateful that we were able to go on this incredible journey together. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience it all!”
  • “From the bottom of my heart, thank you so much for bringing me along on this life-changing trip. It was truly an experience of a lifetime!”
  • “What can I say! Thanks for inviting me on the trip of a lifetime. I’m so thankful that we were part of it, and I literally can not believe how much fun we had!”
Related thank you notes and messages : Examples of how to say thanks for making a trip memorable ; Examples of thank you notes to give a travel companion ;

Image credits – Photo by Simon English on Unsplash

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I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master —  I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.

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20 trips you have to take in your lifetime

This is the 'Disneyland of pasta': Eataly World, the Italian food-themed park

Experts say spending your money on experiences rather than things will make you happier. And what better experience is there than travel? So start adding these trips to your bucket list — from swimming with pigs in the Bahamas, to eating like Italian royalty and ancient temple-hopping in Southeast Asia, here are 20 must do's before you die.

Swim with the pigs in the Exumas

This human-free island in the Bahamas, Big Major Cay, has sandy white beaches and is home to world-famous, loud, snorting and utterly adorable pigs. Though the pigs are wild, you can feed and swim with them. Pig Beach (as it's often referred to) is about 50 miles northwest of George Town, 82 miles southeast of Nassau, and can be reached via boat tour or private charter.

View the Northern Lights from a glass igloo in Finland

Seeing the Northern Lights is a bucket-item alone, but there's one way to experience it that is completely unique: from a glass igloo tucked into the snow at the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Finland. Book a classic igloo or a log cabin with an igloo attached. Aurora Borealis-spotting is best from August through late April.

Experience Hygge in Copenhagen

The Danes are an impressively optimistic bunch. During long, dark winters, the Danish create light, warmth and comfort and call it "Hygge" (pronounced "hoo-guh"). Derived from a 16th century Norwegian term, "hugga," meaning "to comfort" you can experience it via spiced, warm wine, candle-lit dinners, decadent deserts and plenty of laughs.

Find it at restaurants like Høst (pictured above), Amass or Baest, or walking down the city's cobble streets line with colorful buildings and quaint shops.

Eat the world's best pizza in Napoli

Few contest that Napoli, Italy is the birthplace of pizza. Legend has it that, inspired by the colors of the Italian flag, a cook named Raffaele Esposito made a "Pizza Margherita," to honor Italian queen Margherita of Savoy in 1889.

Whatever the real deal, one thing will always hold true — no pizza on earth compares to the pies you'll find in this capital city. L'Antica Pizzeria da Michele and Pizzeria Brandi (pictured) are two of many delicious options.

Take in the exquisite landscape of the Grand Canyon

As one of the most popular family vacation destinations in the United States, about 6 million visitors per year come to feast their eyes upon the canyon's otherworldly landscapes in northern Arizona. Hike, gawk and photograph the day away from stunning sunrise to breathtaking sunset.

Experience nature's wonder in the Galápagos Islands

Swim with penguins, hear adorable seals play and snap pictures of stunning giant tortoises on these magical islands off the coast of Ecuador. Spot one of the many species that inspired Darwin on the volcanic archipelago, where sea iguanas and white-tipped sharks swim in the area's crystal clear waters.

Drink genuine chai masala in India and view the Taj Mahal

An authentic cup of the spicy, milky tea (nothing like the Starbucks version) is almost worth the voyage itself, but pair it with an excursion to one of world's most impressive works of architecture and it's a no-brainer. Located in India's popular Golden Triangle, the white monument and mausoleum is found in the city of Agra, which is easy to get to by rail. The best time to visit is from November to February.

Take an ice-cold dip in Canada's majestic Lake Louise

Located in Banff, this clear blue body of water is one of many glacial lakes in the area but perhaps the most Instagram-worthy. Brave the frigid waters and hike the Big Beehive trail (though it's not for the faint of heart), which houses a tea house with chai tea lattes and fresh scones to help you warm up after your big dip.

Soar across Cappadocia's "fairy chimneys" in a hot-air balloon, then sleep in a cave

Cappadocia, Turkey is home to beautifully colored geo-formations, vast cave systems and subterranean towns. The towering "fairy chimneys" are carved-out of rock formations created millions of years ago. Geology nerds will stand in awe of the landscape, which can be explored underground, above ground or in the air, thanks to the region's famous hot air balloons.

Temple hop in Thailand, Malaysia and Cambodia

Thanks to short, cheap flights, country-hopping in this part of the world is easy and affordable. While sites like the White Temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand and Angkor Wat in Cambodia are must-sees, once you've explored the grounds and snapped photos, you can easily move on. Choose your top three to four in the area and create a week-long temple-touring itinerary that will make your Instagram feed the envy of all your friends.

Stand in Times Square and soak it all in

While locals steer clear of the congested midtown tourist destination, your first time standing in Times Square is overwhelmingly awesome.

Go when it's dark and position yourself smack in the middle of the lit-up billboards, neon signs and gigantic video screens for an iconic snapshot and a surreal city experience unlike any other. While you're there, catch a Broadway show.

Take a sunset cruise on the Na Pali coast in Hawaii

Known for its lush tropical landscape and postcard-like scenery, Kauai is the oldest island in Hawaii. Also referred to as the Garden Isle, viewing its majestic 3,000-foot-high cliffs along the Napali Coast, is best done by boat. Cruise the deep blue waters and watch the sun come down over the unspoiled scenery, which has served as a backdrop for movies like "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" and "Jurassic World."

Dine with a view of the Eiffel Tower alight at night

Cliche? Maybe. But there's no denying the wonder of this Parisian monument — especially when lit up at night. The structure is arguably the most iconic monument on earth. Simply gaze at it's splendor, or book dinner with a view. Les Ombres located on the rooftop terrace of Musée du Quai Branly has one of the best views of the tower and great food. Or go for a cruise with Bateaux Parisiens.

Venture to Tanzania's Ngorongoro Crater for a safari

The Ngorongoro conservation area is surrounded by mile after mile of acacia thorn trees. But it's crown jewel, a nearly 2,000-foot-deep, 2 million-year-old volcanic crater, sits amid the plains and includes every East African ecosystem: grasslands, forests, lakes — all teeming with wildlife. Witness nature's wonder as elephants, rhinos, water buffalo, lions, leopards and so many more pass you by.

Step into a fairy tale in Sintra, Portugal

Just 30 minutes from Lisbon, a visit to this UNESCO Heritage Site is like walking onto the set of a movie about medieval times. The main attractions include the Moorish Castle and the National Palace of Sintra, but dedicate some time to wandering through the windy limestone streets, lined with quaint shops and cafes.

Go snorkeling in Belize

Most people think of Australia when they hear 'barrier reef' but savvy divers think Belize, which is home to the world's second largest one. It's an aquatic dream, even if you only snorkel.

Get up close and personal with brightly colored fish, coral and sea creatures (including nurse sharks) off the coast of the county's largest island, Ambergris Caye at Hol Chan Marine Reserve. You'll also want to hit up the Great Blue Hole (pictured), which Jacques Cousteau named one of the top 10 scuba diving sites in the world.

Visit the Incan citadel Machu Picchu

You can get tickets to wander around the centuries old ruins or climb nearby Huayna Picchu to get a stunning view of Peru's Lost City of the Incas. Once atop, take in the panoramic canvas of lush greenery and mountain peaks.

See the ancient city of Petra

This ancient rose-red colored city in Southern Jordan is a UNESCO world heritage site that welcomes thousands of tourists each year. It lies half-hidden in the wind-blown landscape in the southern part of the country, which makes "discovering" it even more appealing. You may remember the locale from scenes in "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade."

Go shellfishing in New England

The area is famous for its seafood, and harvesting shellfish yourself can be even more fun than ordering it up in a restaurant. You'll need a permit and some gear (think boots, rake and a wire basket), then head to Herring River in Wellfleet, known for its oysters and steamers, to start searching.

Explore Malaysia's UNESCO-protected nature's paradise, Langkawi

Malaysia's luxurious island paradise is a nature lover's dream. From Mangrove eco-tours led by top naturalists to coral-reef transplantation, few island getaways offer five-star accommodations paired with wildlife adventures. The family-friendly Andaman offers private, guided coral snorkeling, coral nursery feeding, transplantation, clearing and more, while the Four Seasons Langkawi houses the area's only Geocenter, which gives daily Mangrove Safari Tours.

Don't miss: See inside 5 of the world's most amazing underwater hotels and restaurants

Eat, drink and sleep in this amazing underwater hotel room

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12 Trips of a Lifetime to Inspire Your Next Vacation

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We match you with top tour companies that specialize in the trip you want,  whether it's a customized private tour or a group tour.

Couple heli hiking at Earnslaw Burn with hanging glacier and cascading waterfalls

Heli hiking Earnslaw Burn in New Zealand. Photo courtesy of Destination Queenstown

Dive deep into what makes Zicasso's experiences exceptional with our 12 trips of a lifetime.

As you anticipate your travel plans, explore how you can make strides in discovering the right trip for you, whether embracing the epic beauty of Patagonia and Antarctica, exploring the vast treasures of the Mediterranean, or uncovering the ineffable beauty of nature in Australia and New Zealand.

Your gateway to a dream vacation starts with exploring the vast array of options to find the trip that fits your interests and goals, that will help bring your dream trip to life.

2. Australia

4. patagonia and antarctica, 5. italy, france, and greece, 6. east africa safari, 7. australia and new zealand, 8. galapagos and peru, 10. thailand, vietnam, and cambodia, 11. southern africa safari, 12. around the world, make your next trip of a lifetime happen.

Villa Rufolo’s gardens in Ravello on the Amalfi Coast

Ravello, Italy

Italy captures the best of Europe, offering a glimpse into a world where the past and present converge. One of our Italy travel specialists designed the Elegant Italy: Art, History, Food, and Wine tour as an immersive discovery of life’s essential pleasures as you travel from Venice to the Amalfi Coast.

When visiting Italy, you can also explore Rome in a vintage Fiat 500, learn the art of pizza-making from a Neapolitan chef, witness the traditions of the Venetian islands, and enjoy the art history of Florence on a tour that intertwines luxury and wonder. Our trip ideas for the Art Enthusiast can place you in front of some of the world’s most widely regarded masterpieces, but Italy stands out as a treasure trove of artistic development through the ages.

Expert Tips for Discerning Travelers

Barossa Valley Estate vineyards in South Australia

Barossa Valley Estate Vineyards. Photo courtesy of South Australia Tourism / Simon Griffiths

Australia is always full of surprises and Immersion into Australia: Outback to Wine Country , designed by a Zicasso Australia travel expert, demonstrates the endless possibilities for luxurious experiences and stunning natural beauty.

From indulging in the foodie culture to embracing the vines in the country’s oldest wine-growing region, enjoying a sumptuous spa, or finding wild kangaroos, this trip gives you an entirely different perspective of the Land Down Under.

Enjoy your introduction to the beauty of the winelands, from New South Wales to southern Australia, Victoria to Tasmania, as you balance the scenery’s beauty and raw power with the welcoming indulgences of an adventurous getaway.

Malaga, Spain

Malaga, Spain

With passion and sophistication, Spain can capture your imagination with a simple aroma or a spirited dance, a heartfelt song or a golden beach.

The epic landscape has shaped the heritage and the preserved culture remains part of daily life that you can experience on the 20-Day Traditions of Spain tour, designed by a Zicasso travel specialist specifically as a Trip of a Lifetime to Spain. The past and present collide in charming villages and along the streets, with each new destination revealing how the diversity of cultural history has informed the country’s charisma.

Spain is home to some of the world’s most celebrated restaurants and gastronomic history, inspiring new ways to explore trip ideas for the Culinary Traveler . When in the country, you can indulge in the majestic ambiance of the Mediterranean, sample the essential spices of paella, and stroll along preserved medieval walls, each day giving you new insight into local and national essence.

Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

Torres del Paine, Patagonia, Chile

Mesmerizing Patagonia and Antarctica is the perfect adventure for nature lovers and those looking for a unique experience far from crowded city streets. Patagonia's combination of forests, mountains, lakes, rivers, and glaciers leads to visions of guanaco, choique, and condor resulting in the ultimate experience in South America.

Zodiac boats around towering glaciers in Antarctica reveal squawking penguins, breaching whales, or sweeping panoramas of the endless tundra. By working with boutique luxury lodges and small boats, you can have a very personalized experience, whether you prefer private excursions or traveling in small groups.

Morning view of Positano on the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

Positano on the Amalfi Coast in Italy

Europe fascinates travelers with promises of distinctive, yet connected cultures with millennia of history. Many visit countries like France or Italy to experience the different paces of life and the Ultimate European Explorer Tour: Italy, France, Greece was designed to celebrate simple pleasures.

From the taste of morning coffee to the sunlight glinting against the river, this carefully designed 28-day customizable itinerary leaves space to travel with intention.

The cultural heritage of France, Italy, and Greece is unique. With the contrast in culture, food, art, architecture, and the diverse stunning landscapes, this trip is rich in unforgettable experiences, with each day focused on a new perspective. You can also find new ways to enjoy these Mediterranean countries and more with our trip ideas for the Wine Lover .

A male lion is sitting on the top of the rock in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

An East African safari provides the soul-shifting experience of getting up close and personal with wildlife. Lifetime memories are made of specific moments; to be within arm’s reach of a mountain gorilla or hear a lion roar a mere few feet away.

Designed by Zicasso safari experts, the Unparalleled East Africa Safari Experience brings you the best of safari.

From walking through the wilderness with a specialist guide in search of resting lions to horseback riding alongside sprinting zebras, a private, outdoor bath overlooking the riverbanks to trekking for gorillas in dense jungle terrain, or even following rangers to learn more about conservation efforts to protect the likes of elephants and rhinos, the opportunities are endless.

Look for more ways to embrace nature and the natural world with our trip ideas for the Wildlife Enthusiast .

Aerial view of National Park River in Australia.  Photo © Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree

Photo courtesy of Tourism Port Douglas and Daintree

Oceania Trip of Lifetime: Best Australia and New Zealand Tour is the way to truly experience the mixture of culture, history, and immersive scenery. Australia encompasses the rich jungle terrain of Daintree National Park and offers a peaceful respite amongst the radiant sunshine of Uluru at the Red Centre, with the diversity of biospheres giving way to intimate connections to ancient local cultures.

90 percent of visitors to Australia never meet an Aboriginal person, but the focus of this trip of a lifetime allows travelers to connect with the landscape and local communities to discover a remarkable history of interconnectivity.

Beyond heritage, Oceania flows with incredible wine and food, as well as inspiring wildlife experiences, among them koalas nibbling on eucalyptus, kangaroos hopping across open plains, and sightings of New Zealand’s famous flightless kiwis or the masterful flying albatrosses, with their eight-foot wingspans.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu, Peru

Nature and the Incan Empire's unique history represent distinct perspectives that nearly equal their mythological intensity and drama.

Many visit countries like Ecuador and Peru for fascinating endemic wildlife and Incan culture woven into the fabric of the Andes. Designed by a Zicasso travel expert, the Exceptional Galapagos and Peru Tour of a Lifetime displays the complexities of the ecosystems and massive stone ruins.

Over the course of 18 days, the Galapagos Islands will capture your imagination as you snorkel in clear waters, while the majestic ambiance of Machu Picchu leads to floating islands and the high-altitude lakeshores of Lake Titicaca in Peru.

You can find more ways to enjoy an immersive experience among islands, mountains, and more with our trip ideas for the Nature Lover .

Kyoto, Chureito Pagoda with Mt Fuji in Fujiyoshida, Japan

Kyoto, Chureito Pagoda with Mt Fuji in Fujiyoshida, Japan

The Premier Enchantments of Japan Tour focuses on the nation’s incredible diversity, whether Tokyo’s ultra-modern ambiance or the customary inns hidden in the mountains. Late October and early November are filled with bright red, yellow, golden, and brown colors adding to the natural beauty Japan displays around every corner.

Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples dating back to before the construction of Europe’s intricate cathedrals unveil elaborate designs and a connection to surrounding nature. Tradition is preserved and celebrated in ceramics and textiles, while cedar groves and cherry trees lead to bubbling hot springs.

Culinary delights embody customs and push new boundaries, constantly changing with the seasons. Through the eyes of the traveler, Japan feels part myth, part treasure, where enchanting gardens highlight antique collaboration and modern boutiques reflect a global and historic perspective.

Woman selling peppers at market in Vietnam

Food market in Vietnam

Ancient wonder, modern majesty, cultural complexity, and culinary mastery capture the essence of what you can discover on the Culinary Journey of a Lifetime to Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia tour. Whether a foodie at heart or eager to travel beyond the familiar, Southeast Asia offers experiences in authentic local cuisine and beyond.

Travelers can expect rare visits to places where some of the raw ingredients are grown, see Asian organic farming techniques, and learn from experts, chefs, or farmers about the different uses of fresh, local produce, herbs, spices, tea, and infusions. Spectacular soaring karsts, winding mountains, historic kingdoms, and raw jungle only accentuate the fusion of dramatic flavors.

Mokoro boat safari with elephant on riverbank at Sanctuary Baines Camp in Botswana

Okavango Delta, Botwana

A thrilling puzzle of enticing landscapes, mesmerizing wildlife, and the classic thrill of searching the remote wilderness while indulging in contemporary luxuries embodies the welcome drama of The Best Southern Africa Vacation: Evocative Safari Experiences .

Botswana and Zimbabwe combine some of the best overall wildlife in the most pristine environments in Africa. By visiting three unique ecosystems, each offering a wide range of activities, from day and night game drives, boating, canoeing, tiger fishing, walking, and cultural interactions, you can enjoy a much richer safari experience.

A specialist guide will offer you a wealth of knowledge as they showcase their skills during a game drive, guided walk, or canoe safari. You may learn the art of tracking while getting up close to animals like elephants, buffalo, wild dogs, and more.

Kirkjufellsfoss and Kirkjufell in Iceland

Kirkjufellsfoss and Kirkjufell on the Snæfellsnes peninsula, Iceland

The Around the World Trip of a Lifetime fulfills dreams. A Zicasso global travel specialist designed a trip inspired by childhood, storybooks, and the promise of adventure.

From a young age, we are transported to other lands in our favorite books and movies. We long to see the most incredible mountains, witness majestic animals, traverse untouched deserts, and lounge on private beaches. This trip captures the spirit of childhood dreams with a journey around the globe taking you from Iceland to Petra, Mongolia to Nepal, the Maldives to Southern Africa, and Patagonia to Belize.

As we travel the world to find the clear waters in Belize and the pampas of Patagonia, the open plains of South Africa, and the mists of Victoria Falls, you can take comfort in the mixture of seclusion and luxury when guided by a world travel expert. No matter your preferences, you will be treated like royalty every step of the way.

Whether looking for wildlife in its natural habitat or finding new ideas in the trips of others, you can explore Zicasso's Staff Collection for inspiration about where in the world our travel team is interested in visiting.

Sand dunes in the Gobi desert, Mongolia

Sand dunes in the Gobi desert, Mongolia

Every Zicasso trip is customized for you. Whether seven days or seven weeks, your itinerary is built to your preferences. Being in the hands of a destination expert is essential, as they provide knowledge and access to experiences you may never have known existed without their localized expertise.

From indulging in the luxuries of the ultimate African safari to embracing the mixture of tropical beauty and ancient history in Southeast Asia, looking to experience trip ideas for a Milestone Celebration or interested in trip ideas for the Romantic Traveler , Zicasso can make your trip of a lifetime a reality. Find more ideas, information, or inspiration with our Trips of a Lifetime travel guide .

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Related tour

Victorian family of eight on trip of a lifetime around Australia in converted bus

A family of 8 stands in front of a large blue and white bus with three dogs and one cat.

Travelling in a 12.5-metre converted bus sounds like it would leave you quite a lot of room.

But with two adults, six kids, three dogs and one cat, it's a tight squeeze for the Honeyman family.

It's been four months since they packed up their lives in Ballarat, Victoria and hit the open road in their converted motorhome.

Jeremy and Donna Honeyman plan to travel the country for roughly two years on board the vehicle they call The Great Escape.

The couple wanted to teach their children life experiences instead of traditional schooling.

Two young children lie on bunk beds inside a bus.

Homeschooling mixed with real-life experience 

Other than a few difficulties finding caravan sites that will accommodate the bus, Donna is loving the journey so far.

She says the children are adapting to homeschooling in between their daily adventures.

"We're doing it because we think that the children will have more life experience," she said.

"They learn more on the road than what they do at school and some of our kids have learning delays.

"So we thought one-on-one time with mum and dad and showing them what the real world has to offer could be better than sitting in a classroom."

A dog sits in front of a big blue bus.

DIY motorhome conversion 

After purchasing the 52-seater bus, the Honeymans got to work turning it into a liveable space.

The seats were reduced to nine, bunk beds and a shower were installed, along with battery storage, a washing machine and water tanks.

"It was a long process," Donna said.

"But my partner decked the whole bus out himself. The only thing we paid for was an electrician and our plumbing.

"The rest of it we did with the kids."

The inside of a large bus with seats at the front and a kitchen and beds in the back.

Parking can be a tall order 

A mechanic by trade, Jeremy has found work in many of the towns the family has stopped in so far and can solve most problems that arise with the motorhome.

The only real hassle comes when it's time to find somewhere to park for the night.

"It depends on the town. There are plenty of caravan parks, but they are booked out a lot," Jeremy said.

"Height becomes a problem quite often with parks that have trees and bushland, especially when they're smaller parks with very tight roads to get through.

"Free camping is also a little bit harder and we have found it very hard to find anywhere where you can legally camp.

"We found a couple of places we thought were okay and then were woken the next morning to the local council asking us to move on."

A tabby cat with green eyes lies on a child's bed.

More live-in buses hitting the road 

While double the size of a standard caravan, Jeremy believes there are more bus-sized vehicles like theirs on the road.

"Vehicles of this size in the last couple of years have become more affordable," he said.

"Many years ago, the thought of driving a big heavy-haul bus sounded like more hard work than a holiday.

"But something like this with air conditioning … it's quite an appealing option to travel with so many creature comforts."

The storage compartment of a bus is lifted open with a washing machine inside

Slow, steady and adventure ready

Currently in Albany, 500 kilometres south of Perth on WA's south coast, the family is becoming an expert at finding unique adventures and not going anywhere in a hurry.

"The children do what they want really. We go to the beaches, we go to parks every day, they're always doing something different," Donna said.

"We do school sometimes on a weekend, some days during the week. If it's crappy weather outside, they'll stay inside and do some schoolwork.

"I've been loving it, just taking each day as it comes."

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The Lutheran Witness

The Elements of Stewardship

Editor’s Note: Articles from LCMS Stewardship Ministry are hosted here on The Lutheran Witness site. Visit the “Ministry Features” page for monthly stewardship content.

The LCMS has defined stewardship as “the free and joyous activity of God’s family — the church — in managing life’s resources for His purposes.” Let’s take a few moments to break this definition down, consider its implications and applications, and seek the Lord’s blessing as His Holy Spirit leads us to faithfulness in this vocation for which He has created and redeemed us.

Here are a few of the elements of what stewardship means:

Stewardship is free.

This means is it without compulsion. While Scripture speaks of the tithe, to turn it into law is to miss the point! Stewardship is not a system of taxation used by the church to survive and pay the bills. This does not mean that the steward is free from any responsibility to the church — the opposite is true. Stewards are created in the image of God to manage creation and redeemed and reconciled to God by the blood of Jesus to be stewards of the ministry of reconciliation in the Gospel. Thus to be anything less than faithful in all of life and life’s resources for the sake of the Gospel and the benefit of our neighbor is sinful. Faithfulness is the standard. But we can’t attain nor maintain it apart from the work of the Holy Spirit. Our stewardship is not our creation. It is the Holy Spirit at work in and through us. This is what makes it truly free. We are simply conduits of the work of the Spirit as we steward and support the work of the Gospel through the local congregation, district and Synod.

Stewardship is joyous.

There isn’t anything sad about doing what we were created to be and do. When the Spirit leads us to give of ourselves, we are not losing anything. The faithfulness which the Spirit works in us is used to bring and keep people in the one true faith. The cheerful giver of whom Paul speaks in 2 Corinthians rejoices not in what he does but rather in what the Lord does through him. The joy of the steward is akin to the joy that the Gospel speaks of when one sinner repents. When the work of the local congregation or the missionary in far lands is used by the Spirit to call even one to repentance, there is unbounded joy. The faithful steward gets a glimpse of this every Sunday as sins are forgiven even as the gifts are given.

Stewardship is the work of the church.

Stewardship is more than just a “me and Jesus” thing. There is a corporate nature to every aspect of stewardship in the local congregation. While each person and family are led by the Spirit to set aside what they give on the first day of the week, when it is done in the setting of the Divine Service the Body is working together for the sake of the Gospel. And this doesn’t stop locally. Districts are supported by the faithfulness of many congregations. Synod is supported in faithfulness by the 35 districts. Like the human body, stewardship is so much more than the sum of its parts. When faithful stewards are banded together in faithfulness by the Holy Spirit, freedom and joy and stewardship is the result!

Stewardship involves life’s resources .

Here is where things can get muddy. It is obvious that when the church speaks of “resources,” very often we fast-forward to the discussion of finances. And this is almost always a cry of lament. After all, financial resources are finite. But we ought to consider the three categories of stewardship — time, people and money.

Stewardship includes time.

Time is the single most finite resource entrusted to the individual steward. No matter how hard they try, the steward will only have 168 hours to invest in the Lord’s purpose each week. No amount of timesaving, productivity-increasing strategies will ever add one moment to the week entrusted to the steward. The amount of time that the steward must manage is the most precious. This is a call for the church and the individual steward to faithfully manage this most finite of resources.

Stewardship includes people.

Individual Christian stewards are the ones who have that finite resource of time entrusted to them. It is crucial that the local congregation is faithful in its management of the time of every member of the Body of Christ. If we invest time and effort in things that do not flow from our true purpose of the stewardship of the Gospel, we are not being faithful. This will rob our people of their freedom and their joy. For this reason, it is critical that WHAT the congregation does and HOW they do it all flows from a knowledge of WHY they are placed there by the Lord of the Church.

Stewardship includes finances.

This is indeed the least finite of the resources entrusted to the steward and to God’s family of the church. I learned this lesson firsthand from a faithful Lutheran farmer decades ago. My wife and I were looking at purchasing land and building a house. When we approached a member about purchasing a section of long abandoned pasture on which we would build, the response came, “Pastor, we love you. But we can always make more money. God’s not going to make any more dirt.” Congregations can always find ways to increase what comes into the congregation in offerings and be more faithful with what is already entrusted. While it is critical that we are indeed faithful with what is entrusted, we dare not make the least finite resource the biggest deal!

Stewardship is about God’s purposes.

This is what sets Christian stewardship apart from any other kind of stewardship. Worldly stewardship flows from fear. If we are not faithful in our stewardship of the air, water and land, fear says we are going to die! But the Christian steward comes from a totally different perspective. The Christian seeks to be faithful in every aspect of creation because it was created by God and redeemed in the blood of Jesus. Our stewardship flows not from fear but from faith. This faith is driven by the promise of God’s purpose. This purpose was seen in Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. God’s purpose is that the church’s faithful stewardship be an instrument of His purpose that all people come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. Our stewardship of the Gospel is central and instrumental in this!

God made us for this stewardship. We failed. In Christ He has redeemed and restored us to this task. We don’t deserve it in any way. But we are free. This freedom is the initiation of our joy. This joy is what leads us to be faithfully active as stewards of all that God entrusts to us for the sake of the Gospel and the benefit and salvation of our neighbor.

THIS is stewardship!

LCMS Stewardship ministry features may be reprinted with acknowledgment given to The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod.

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Fact-Checking Biden’s 2024 State of the Union Address

Here’s a look at how some of President Biden’s claims and those of the senator who delivered the Republican response, Katie Britt, stacked up.

By The New York Times

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An overhead view of the House, with President Biden speaking to a packed chamber.

President Biden delivered his third State of the Union address on Thursday, arguing that life in the United States had improved on his watch — a message that effectively served as a campaign message as he faces off against his predecessor and rival, Donald J. Trump.

Republicans offered their own take, with Senator Katie Britt of Alabama giving a rebuttal that argued that the country was worsening under Mr. Biden.

Mr. Biden’s address largely consisted of political messages and factual statements, but some of his comments warranted additional context. Ms. Britt also made some misleading statements.

Here’s a fact check.

Angelo Fichera

Angelo Fichera

“15 million new jobs in just three years — a record.”

— President Biden

This needs context.

Mr. Biden is correct that from January 2021 to January 2024, the United States added nearly 14.8 million jobs, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data .

That is a growth of about 10 percent in three years. However, it is worth noting that Mr. Biden came to office as jobs were beginning to return after huge losses during the coronavirus pandemic. Total jobs are now about 3.5 percent higher than the prepandemic peak in February 2020. About half of the 22 million jobs lost in 2020 had returned by the start of the Biden administration.

“In fact, my policies have attracted $650 billion in private sector investment, in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, creating tens of thousands of jobs here in America!”

This figure is a White House estimate of private investments made in various industries during the Biden administration. Officials calculate it by looking at public announcements of investments — not necessarily dollars spent — across industries targeted by Mr. Biden’s legislative accomplishments. Those include the CHIPS and Science Act , Inflation Reduction Act and $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure law .

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Lisa Friedman

Lisa Friedman

“I am cutting our carbon emissions in half by 2030.”

Mr. Biden has a goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions in the United States roughly in half by 2030. But it is not at all clear the policies he has put in place will get the country there.

The Inflation Reduction Act, Mr. Biden’s landmark climate law that invests $370 billion in clean energy, helps put the country on track to cut emissions by about 40 percent. But some big things still need to happen to realize those cuts, like changes to permitting to help build more transmission to connect clean energy to the grid.

Meanwhile, some of Mr. Biden’s big climate regulations on things like automobiles and power plant emissions are undergoing changes, making it even more difficult to reach that 2030 goal.

“We’ve already cut the federal deficit over a trillion dollars.”

Under Mr. Biden’s watch, the federal deficit dropped to $1.4 trillion in fiscal year 2022 from $3.1 trillion in fiscal year 2021 — but much of that reduction was attributed to the expiration of coronavirus relief spending. The deficit then rose in 2023, to about $1.7 trillion.

And the deficit actually grew larger than the official numbers suggest: When adjusting for a student-loan forgiveness program that was factored into the numbers, but then struck down by the Supreme Court, the deficit in 2022 was actually closer to $1 trillion and $2 trillion in 2023.

The deficit remains higher than it was before the coronavirus pandemic. In fiscal year 2019, the deficit was about $984 billion and lower in years prior. And the national debt has grown to about $34.4 trillion today, from about $27.8 trillion in January 2021.

“You know, there are 1,000 billionaires in America. You know what the average federal tax is for these billionaires? They are making great sacrifices: 8.2 percent. That’s far less than the vast majority of Americans’ pay.”

This is misleading..

Mr. Biden was referring to a White House study, released in 2021 , that used a “more comprehensive measure of income” than is currently assessed. But it is not technically the tax rate paid under existing federal law.

The report in question included gains made in unsold stocks, which are not taxed until the asset is sold. It estimated the average federal income tax rate paid by the 400 wealthiest families in the United States to be 8.2 percent.

Under the law now, the top 1 percent of earners in the United States are currently estimated to pay an average federal income tax rate of more than 20 percent, according to an analysis by the Treasury Department in November.

The White House has argued its report presents a more accurate view of the tax rate paid by the wealthy.

“Many of my friends on the other side of the aisle want to put Social Security on the chopping block.”

Republicans are not currently calling for cuts to Social Security, though some have in the past suggested changes , such as having the program be brought up for regular renewal rather than treated as mandatory spending. Many have distanced themselves from that concept.

Mr. Biden also could have been referring to a budget put forward last year by a large conservative group on Capitol Hill, the Republican Study Committee.

That plan, light on details, called for “modest changes” to the Social Security for people who are “not near retirement” — including benefit formula adjustments and shifting the retirement age for future recipients “to account for increases in life expectancy.”

But it did not outline specific figures and emphasized that it would not affect benefits “for any senior in or near retirement.”

It’s unclear whether such a proposal would gain enough support among Republican lawmakers to pass. Former President Donald J. Trump said in a video address last year that “under no circumstances should Republicans vote to cut a single penny from Medicare or Social Security.” (He, like Mr. Biden, has also not put forward a clear plan for keeping the program solvent.)

The Republican Study Committee, for its part, said in its budget that not addressing the program’s finances will lead to cuts. Social Security’s main trust fund is currently projected to be depleted in 2033, meaning the program would then be able to pay only about three-quarters of total scheduled benefits.

“From our small towns to America’s most iconic city streets, life is getting more and more dangerous.”

— Senator Katie Britt of Alabama

Recent federal data does not support the notion that crime is on the rise. The F.B.I. ’s annual crime report for 2022 showed that murders in the United States dropped just over 6 percent compared with the year earlier and, overall, violent crime also dipped. Available F.B.I. data for the first three quarters of 2023 shows that homicides were on track to drop significantly , among declines in other categories of violent and property crime.

The Republican Party wants “families to grow. It’s why we strongly support continued nationwide access to in vitro fertilization.”

Republican lawmakers, like Ms. Britt, have largely said they support I.V.F. treatments after an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that said frozen embryos in test tubes should be considered children, prompting some facilities in the state to halt or restrict the treatments. But many have also suggested the issue should be left to state legislatures, rather than be pursued through federal legislation.

Asked on “CBS Mornings” whether discarding embryos should be considered murder, Speaker Mike Johnson said that while he supports I.V.F. , state legislatures — not Congress — should handle the issue. (Alabama lawmakers passed a bill on Wednesday to protect I.V.F. providers from civil and criminal liability.)

One Republican senator, Cindy Hyde-Smith of Mississippi, recently blocked a quick passage of a bill proposed by Democrats to protect access to I.V.F. and other fertility treatments nationwide. Ms. Hyde-Smith said she supported access to the treatment but argued that the bill was a “vast overreach that is full of poison pills that go way too far.”

Before the ruling in Alabama, Republicans had in recent years put forward legislation that would recognize a fertilized egg as a person entitled to equal protections under the 14th Amendment. If signed into law, it could restrict I.V.F. treatments.

American Songwriter

Behind the Meaning of “I Will” by the Beatles

T he Beatles‘ “I Will” is a relatively simple song, but it is nonetheless impactful. Paul McCartney has penned many stellar love songs across his career, but this has to be one of his most touching. Check out the meaning behind this song, below.

[RELATED: Behind the Meaning of the Beatles’ “We Can Work It Out” in Paul McCartney’s Own Words]

Behind the Meaning

McCartney has made it clear across his career that he is partial to a silly love song. He enjoys the sappy, sincere sides of music. “I Will” is one of many examples of this affinity.

“There’s a theory that the most interesting love songs are ones about love gone wrong,” McCartney wrote in his book, The Lyrics: 1956 to the Present . “I don’t subscribe to it. This is a song about the joy of love…Love might be the mightiest, strongest force on the planet.”

Who knows how long I’ve loved you

You know I love you still

Will I wait a lonely lifetime

If you want me to, I will

McCartney was in a relationship with Jane Asher at the time he wrote this track. While in India together, McCartney made use of a melody he had in his back pocket, writing new lyrics that painted a picture of enduring love. Folk icon Donovan helped him pen the first rough draft of the verses, but ultimately McCartney found them too simple.

Despite being connected to Asher, McCartney delivered the caveat: “Just because I was involved with Jane at the time doesn’t mean this song is addressed to, or about, Jane. It’s a declaration of love, yes, but not always to someone specific.”

For if I ever saw you

I didn’t catch your name

But it never really mattered

I will always feel the same

Despite not having a finite inspiration–or perhaps because of that fact–this song is a universal ode to love. Any couple could adopt this song as their own. The syrupy sweet lyrics are enough to thaw even the coldest of hearts.

(Photo by Evening Standard/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

The post Behind the Meaning of “I Will” by the Beatles appeared first on American Songwriter .

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