When money is no object, the world is your oyster – but while there’s a lot to be said for lazy beach escapes and luxury city breaks, not all travel experiences are created equal.
Travel is about more than just relaxing, or ticking off destinations on the world map. Instead, it’s about collecting once-in-a-lifetime memories and rare experiences that are worthy of a place on your bucket list.
Whatever excites you, the world is filled with incredible destinations where you can immerse yourself in elevated moments you’ll never forget. Here, we take a look at the most exquisite travel experiences to add to your bucket list this year.
Charter a superyacht and set sail around the Greek islands
The glittering waters of the Aegean are filled with charming Greek islands, and when it comes to deciding which to visit, it’s impossible to choose just one. There’s a reason that island hopping in the region is so popular, but doing it on board a luxury superyacht elevates the entire experience to a bucket list-worthy new level. With a captain, crew and private chef on board to whip you up gourmet meals along the way, you can bed down in a luxurious suite by night and enjoy watersports or relax on the sun-drenched deck by day.
Best of all, you can enjoy some of Greece’s best-kept secrets in the most exclusive of ways, with complete privacy and impeccable service guaranteed.
Play at the iconic Casino de Monte Carlo in Monaco
For the world’s high-rollers, few destinations can match the allure of Monte Carlo, Monaco. Steeped in opulence and home to the iconic Casino de Monte Carlo, according to the experts at CasinoLuck, this playground for the rich and famous represents the very pinnacle of luxury casino gameplay. A Belle Époque masterpiece that exudes grandeur at every turn, it’s more than a casino, and serves as a showcase for the lavish opulence Monaco is known for.
A symbol of the Riviera’s elegance, arrive in style by chauffeur-driven luxury car, and be sure to come dressed to the nines. You don’t have to be a high-roller to appreciate the experience, either; many come either to try their first hand at popular games like Blackjack and Poker, or simply to soak up the atmosphere, crowding around the Roulette wheel to cheer others on.
Embark on a private safari in Botswana’s Okavango Delta
For those looking to really get off the beaten track and into the wilderness, Botswana’s Okavango Delta still remains relatively untouched by tourism, and a private safari in the region offers the chance to spot the Big Five in their natural habitat without compromising on comfort.
This isn’t just any safari experience, either; exclusive camps like Mombo or Abbu can be reached by private charter, and from your luxury suite, you can witness elephants bathing at dawn. Then, there’s the personalised game drives, where you control the pace – and come the evening, you can enjoy romantic candlelit dinners in a true oasis of calm before falling asleep to the sounds of nature all around you.
For wildlife lovers, it’s an absolute must.
Check into a glass igloo to see the Northern Lights
If you’ve heard the stories about typical Northern Lights excursions – extreme wakeup times, crowds and queues, and more often than not, disappointment – then head to Finnish Lapland to do things differently.
Here, you can check into your own private and heated glass igloo, and enjoy the magical sights of the Aurora Borealis from the comfort of your king-size bed – no need to set an alarm for an unsociable hour, and no need to spend hours shivering outside. Staying in one of these Instagram-worthy glass cabins makes it possible to watch the sky all night whilst remaining warm and comfortable inside – and when the lights do show themselves, there’s nobody else around to interrupt as they dance mesmerisingly in the skies overhead.
By day, you can enjoy reindeer safaris, snow-shoeing and husky sled rides – before retiring from the cold for some seriously stand-out Lappish fine dining. The Kakslauttanen resort or arctic TreeHouse Hotel are our top picks, and offer a fairytale experience that will have you gasping in awe.
The bottom line
You only live once, which is why filling your life with incredible and memorable experiences is a no-brainer for the luxury travel enthusiast. Access, exclusivity and emotional resonance are sought-after qualities for those seeking standout travel experiences this year, and from the glitz and glamour of Monte Carlo to the remote wilderness of Botswana, there’s a bucket list experience to suit every taste and preference.
