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The best Bucket List trips

By Theodora Taylor Franks on 25th July, 2024

It’s time to enjoy some of the very best bucket list trips available.

It’s no secret that we want you to take holidays with us.  We are, of course, a travel company.

Aside from the fact that it’s our business (our 24 micro-businesses, in fact) – it’s because your holidays are important.  They don’t come around every week unless you’re really lucky – and we want to know that we’re sending you on the trips we would do.

Because, if you’re going to do a bucket-list trip, you want to come back thinking it was perfect.  (We also want you to come back thinking it was perfect!)

The goal is no FOMO, no wishing you’d actually said yes something, no getting home and feeling like you missed out …

The ultimate bucket list trip should leave you feeling like you understand the heart and soul of a country.

The best bucket list trips to: Borneo

You’ve seen Sir David Attenborough, Dame Judi Dench, and perhaps a few members of the royal family step into the wilds of Borneo and every single time, it looks lush. Thick rainforest teeming with life, a river plain where pygmy elephants roam and long-nosed monkeys call out from the trees, caves so large you could spend days exploring them, and of course, orangutans. Borneo is truly as awe-inspiring as everything you’ve ever seen.

It’s hard not to love Sabah with its well-known Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Kinabatangan River, and the pristine rainforest of Danum Valley but we have a secret for you. Sarawak. If you can stretch that two week holiday to three, you can include Sarawak with its tribal longhouses, caves of Mulu, the walkable foodie-haven of Kuching, and the trails of Bako where you can get closer to wildlife on foot than anywhere else in the region.

So go on, tick off the well-known bucket list bits and add the lesser-known spots that will be on bucket lists of future generations.

island-hopping-el-nido

The best bucket list trips to: The Philippines

If you’ve been to the temples of Thailand and eaten your fill of Vietnamese street food, fallen in love with South East Asia and also wished you’d been there before everyone you know has been, the Philippines might be next on your list.

With rugged mountains, ancient rice terraces, and heritage towns in the north plus thousands of islands with soft sand, warm water, jungle interior, and rich marine life, it’s like visiting two countries in one. You’ll need about a month to really explore the country and even then, there’s a good chance you’ll want to return to see more. Just ask Marbree, she routinely threatens to move there permanently – except of course for the problem of picking which island to stay.

Our suggested Grand Tour is only one option: you could add time in Donsol to snorkel with whale sharks or get off the beaten path in bamboo huts on a Palawan island. Hike Mt Pinatubo, surf the legendary Cloud 9 waves of Siargao, or look for dugongs in Coron. Whether you want an eco-retreat or absolute luxury, the Philippines has something for everyone and if you’re going all that way, you might as well do it your way.

PHOTO DAN KULLBERG TO KUDADOO HURAWAHLI 2021 USAGE RIGHTS 5 YEARS 2021220-261220 Models Daniel and Karoline Emmertsen

The best bucket list trips to: The Maldives

A 5* all-inclusive stay in a stunning water villa in the Maldives with thrilling seaplane transfers… it has to be done once, right?
We pushed our specialist Carly to pick her favourite and after a lot of struggling she picked Hurawahli.
The reason? Because as well as reliably excellent service and dreamy villas, they have an underwater restaurant on site allowing a double tick for the bucket list!
It also has a very fair pricepoint for the quality and a reassuringly high return rate  – always an amazing sign.
Go before the secret gets out.
Awesome view of cozy street decorated with colorful silk lanterns at sunrise. Scenic traditional old yellow houses of Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam. Hoian is a popular tourist destination of Asia.
busy Street at duskSilk Lanterns in Hoi An an ancient city in Vietnampeople and scooter in motion blur

The best bucket list trips to: Vietnam

Vietnam tip to tail is a must-do! There’s truly something for everyone from cruising in other-worldly Halong Bay,  countryside cycling in Mai Chau, historical walks in the cities, scrumptious guided food tours, and endless wide sandy beaches too.

Two weeks is perfect, but if you have three all the better….

 

The best bucket list trips to: Cambodia

Marvelling at Angkor Wat at sunrise is an experience like no other. But Cambodia is so much more than its temples, and pairing with time on one of the islands and hiking in the lush jungle makes for the perfect balance.
Coupling with its neighbours such as Vietnam or Laos is also an exciting option…
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The best bucket list trips to: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka truly has it all. You can hike lush hill country, laze on wide sandy beaches, take a thrilling safari and explore ancient history all in 2 weeks, travelling in style with your private driver.
We’ve sought out the most charming boutique hotels and authentic local experiences to make sure this is truly a trip of a lifetime.
And as always at Fleewinter, we tailor each trip to your priorities and preferences. Speak to Carly or Steffi to get designing your perfect adventure!

The best bucket list trips: On Board a Luxury Yacht

Exploring the Greek islands onboard your own private luxury yacht is the ultimate holiday experience. A holiday that normally starts on the ‘bucket list’ but entices you to come back year after year.

It is everything you need, in one place: watersports, beautiful scenery, unlimited swimming, stunning yacht, and of course your private crew there to make your holiday 5*.

Think easy and luxurious. A holiday onboard for those who want to be pampered whilst absorbing all the beauty of the Greek Islands.

For those who like a bit of thrill seeking whilst not giving up the luxury, sail on Yacht Lunous and for those who require space and serenity our catamaran Aurous is for you.

Our yachts sail from April to October in the beautiful Ionian Islands. Start your holiday in either Corfu or Kefalonia and let the Greek sunshine and gentle breezes steer you towards the holiday of a lifetime.

Don’t spend one more holiday on a quayside or beach looking at the yacht in the background.  Instead, be the people having the time of their lives on that yacht!

sunset_Mekong_4000_islands_Laos_Fleewinter

The best bucket list trips to: Laos

There’s something magical that happens in Laos: time slows down, you forget what day it is, and a sense of peace replaces everyday stress.

Perhaps it’s the scenic landscapes of rice paddies, mountains, and thick forest. Maybe it’s the charm of heritage towns or the people who move leisurely and smile easily. It could be the time you’ll spend in nature, walking, cycling, kayaking, or looking out over a river with a cup of locally grown tea or coffee or a cold BeerLao. Whatever it is, it’s unlike anywhere else.

To really experience Laos, take a full three weeks. Indulge in the cafés and restaurants of Luang Prabang with its countless activities, go north into the mountains to walk through fields and chat with farmers, cook with an expert in the sleepy capital of Vientiane, and leave plenty of time to relax in the south. Explore a coffee plantation, marvel at Angkor-era temples, sip a glass of wine on a private island as the sun sets, and watch the wide waters of the Mekong drift by.

Marbree’s Best of Laos itinerary is a great starting point to indulge in the best of Laos although we think it’s better to add a few days each in Luang Prabang and Nong Khiaw.

The best bucket list trips to: Indonesia

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Indonesia’s diverse landscapes. Start in North Sumatra’s Bukit Lawang, where lush rainforests harbour wild Sumatran orangutans. Explore Gunung Leuser National Park’s trails and encounter exotic wildlife like gibbons and vibrant bird species.

Continue to Berastagi’s cool highlands, famous for its markets and Sibayak Volcano’s awe-inspiring summit with steaming sulfur vents and panoramic views. Discover Samosir Island in Lake Toba, steeped in Toba Batak culture with traditional villages and ancient customs.

Java beckons with cultural treasures: Borobudur’s vast Buddhist monument, Prambanan’s Hindu temples, and cycling through Javanese countryside rich with hospitality and craftsmanship.

In East Java, witness Mount Bromo’s stunning sunrise and trek to Ijen Crater’s turquoise sulfur lake amid volcanic landscapes.

Finish off in Bali, where Menjangan Island’s coral reefs await, Ubud’s artistic charm captivates, and Sanur’s golden beaches offer relaxation. Whether diving into cultural wonders, hiking volcanoes, or snorkeling pristine waters, Indonesia promises an adventure blending natural beauty and cultural immersion.

The best bucket list air cruise to: Antarctica

Antarctica is the ultimate bucket list destination, offering unparalleled experiences in one of the most remote and pristine places on Earth. Imagine standing amidst towering icebergs and glaciers, where the silence is broken only by the calls of penguins and the splash of seals.
Kayak through icy waters, camp under a sky filled with stars, and witness the majestic beauty of Emperor Penguins up close. The sheer isolation and untouched landscapes provide a sense of adventure and serenity found nowhere else.

For the intrepid traveler, crossing the Drake Passage is often a rite of passage, but there is a better way to reach this land of breathtaking vistas and diverse wildlife. Save yourself 4 days of crossing and book an air cruise instead. Fly from Punta Arenas in Chile to Frei Station on King George island and then board our once in your life expedition cruise. No rough crossing, simply 100% of your time spent in the white continent!

Antarctica’s raw beauty and extreme conditions make it a once-in-a-lifetime experience that every adventurer should seize.

 

The best bucket list trips to: Argentina

The Iberá Wetlands and Península Valdés in Argentina are must-visit destinations for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. The Iberá Wetlands, one of the largest freshwater reservoirs in South America, is a haven for biodiversity. Imagine gliding through serene waters, surrounded by lush vegetation, and spotting caimans, capybaras, and over 350 bird species. This pristine ecosystem offers unique opportunities for eco-tourism, including boat safaris, birdwatching, and guided wildlife tours, making every visit an intimate encounter with nature.

Península Valdés, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a marine paradise where you can witness some of the planet’s most spectacular wildlife phenomena. From June to December, Southern Right Whales come close to shore for calving, providing breathtaking whale-watching experiences. The peninsula is also home to Magellanic penguins, sea lions, and elephant seals.

The dramatic coastal landscapes, coupled with the chance to observe these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, make Península Valdés and the Iberá Wetlands unforgettable bucket list destinations.

 

The best bucket list trips to: Brazil

This three-week holiday to Brazil  is a dream come true for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers as you will enjoy 12 full days in the Pantanal. Begin your journey in Iguassu falls, the world’s biggest and arguably most awe inspiring.

Then, venture into the heart of the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland, teeming with wildlife. Split your time in both the North and South of the region and spend your days exploring this vast and biodiverse paradise, home to jaguars, giant otters, capybaras, and over 650 bird species. Guided safaris, boat tours, and horseback riding provide intimate encounters with nature. The Pantanal’s rich ecosystems and stunning sunsets create unforgettable moments, while eco-lodges offer a perfect blend of comfort and immersion.

Finish off your adventure in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, where iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain offer breathtaking views. Immerse yourself in the rhythms of samba, and relax on the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.

This combination of Brazil’s vibrant urban culture, impressive waterfalls and the untouched beauty of the Pantanal makes for a truly extraordinary and bucket list-worthy adventure.

 

 

Atacama salt lake

The best bucket list trips to: Chile

A three-week holiday to Chile promises an adventure of a lifetime, blending diverse landscapes, rich culture, and ancient mysteries.

Begin your journey in the vibrant capital, Santiago, where bustling markets and stunning views from Cerro San Cristóbal await. Head south to the ethereal beauty of Patagonia, with its towering peaks, glaciers, and wildlife in Torres del Paine National Park. The Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth, offers surreal landscapes, salt flats, and stargazing that rivals anywhere in the world.

In three weeks you have enough time to also travel to Easter Island,  an unforgettably mystical and remote island in the Pacific Ocean. Here, the iconic moai statues stand as silent sentinels, guarding secrets of a lost civilization.

Explore the island’s volcanic craters, pristine beaches, and experience the rich Rapa Nui culture. This combination of mainland Chile’s natural wonders and Easter Island’s archaeological treasures makes for a diverse and unforgettable bucket list adventure.

 


Written by Theodora Taylor Franks

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