Despite the cliché, there’s a very simply reason why ‘from where I’d rather be’ social posts go viral – people just love travel. And, while we all have our travel bucket-lists filed away in secret Pinterest boards, in 2018, the destination alone isn’t enough to compel travel-lovers to book an escape. The sights, sounds and ‘scapes that colour these travel hotspots become the draw card; converting potential jetsetters from dreamers to doers. What’s New York without a day in Central Park or Paris without a picnic under the Eiffel Tower? It’s these moments that become the postcards of the trip – stamped and delivered straight to our Instagram feeds.
If you’re all about making unforgettable memories and investing in experiences while travelling, here are our top 5 suggestions.
1/ Reefsleep – Whitsundays, Australia
When it comes to idyllic coastlines, it’s no secret that Australia sits in the number one spot – and no we’re not just talking about Bondi. Head north to the Whitsundays and you will find tropical havens that rival international destinations like the Maldives and Bora Bora. To embrace your inner Brooke Shields a la Blue Lagoon, consider a night over the ocean, Reefsleep is a two-day, one-night experience whereby guests sleep in swags on top of a pontoon moored 39 nautical miles from shore, on top of the Great Barrier Reef.
2/ Hot Air Ballooning – Cappadocia, Turkey
Like it or not, often the first port of call when travel researching is social media. Not only does this experience have the influencer tick of approval (one Instagram check can confirm), it offers one of the most unique travel experiences the world has to offer. The prospect of soaring over an ancient city at sunrise is one thing – doing it amongst a flock of around 100 other hot air balloons is another! If heights just aren’t your thing, head to the hills and watch in awe as patchworked balloons fill the horizon.
3/ Blue Lagoon – Iceland
If picturesque, jaw-dropping scenery is a travel non-negotiable for you, then Iceland is surely at the top of your wish-list. Known for its otherworldly panoramas, Iceland is home to some of the world’s biggest glaciers, most active volcanoes and the famous Blue Lagoon. Heralded by celebrities and influencers alike – Gwyneth Paltrow is a fan – the geothermal hot spring is the perfect way to warm up and relax while admiring snow-capped mountains. With a swim-up bar and beauty treatments available, this experience is a must-try!
4/ Safari – Africa
If you’ve never considered an African safari, then let me leave this here.
If Kristen Bell and Dax Shepherd lip-syncing to Toto’s Africa against a backdrop of…well Africa, doesn’t get you excited to go big game sight-seeing, then skip to point 5. If it does, then nothing should drag you away from crossing this one off your list.
5/ Bungee Jumping – Queenstown, New Zealand
There are two types of people in this world: those who bungy and those who don’t. If a healthy dose of adrenalin in the name of ‘travel’ peaks your interest, then nothing could be more exciting (or frightening) than the Nevis Bungy Jump. At 134m high it’s marketed as New Zealand’s highest jump spot – and to be completely honest: it looks terrifying. Not for the faint-hearted, this is one travel experience that you will never forget.
Save 25% when you book a Reefsleep overnight experience. Valid for bookings prior to 31 December 2018 and for travel prior to 31 March 2019. Visit cruisewhitsundays.com/marieclaire and use promo code ‘MARIECLAIRE’ to redeem the offer.
