Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Nine unforgettable experiences any adventurous traveller will love

If you’re looking for a thrilling way to see the world, we’ve found some of the most unique and interesting ways to do it.

Tuesday 24 October 2023 12:32 BST
(Getty Images)

Whether it’s spotting big cats or swimming with whale sharks, cycling through Argentina or skiing to the North Pole, if you like to make seeing the world an adventure there’s a holiday here for you. And for those with itchy feet but on a budget, there are experiences to be had here in the UK, too.

Get closer to nature on an unforgettable wildlife holiday

(Explore Worldwide)

Want to see some wildlife on your next holiday? Explore Worldwide can help you plan the perfect trip. It has excursions waiting for you all around the world from Costa Rica to Uganda and even in the Maldives. If big cats are at the top of your list, journey to the open savanna plains on the Highlights of Kenya tour and look for leopards (you’ll likely spot rhino and flamingos, too) or venture into Asia on the new Indian Tiger Safari trip where you can spot the striped predator by boat or private Jeep. You can even experience life as a true explorer and head to the Galápagos — wherever you venture, be safe in the knowledge that expeditions with Explore ensure animals stay wild and nature is left to be natural. You can read its Animal Protection Policy at explore.co.uk/wildlifepolicy before planning your trip.

Plan your trip today

Experience American life and culture from a summer camp

(Americamp)

AmeriCamp is an award-winning organisation that sends young people to work at summer camps in the US. Anyone aged 18-29 can experience American life, work and travel, with the chance to explore the US for up to 30 days after camp. It can help you find employment, secure your visa, arrange insurance and continues to offer 24/7 support throughout your trip. AmeriCamp aims to promote personal growth, cross-cultural understanding and international friendships. Its sister company, Camp.co.uk, also offers incredible travel experiences around the world with programmes such as Camp Thailand, Camp Bali and Camp Maldives, where you can volunteer to help with elephants, turtles, go island hopping and so much more. Ready for the summer of a lifetime?

Sign up today

Experience the varied tastes and landscapes of Argentina

(Laviva Travel)

LAVIVA Travel is dedicated to providing authentic and unique travel experiences in Argentina and across the South American continent. The family-run company has a team of local Argentine and English people working together to deliver the best holiday you can have. One of its standout trips is the Wine and Bike tour of Argentina, in which you cycle from one winery to the next through the breathtaking Andes Mountains of Mendoza. You will arrive in Buenos Aires — the ‘Paris of South America’ — for a guided bike tour through the city, followed by a fine-dining lunch in one of the most renowned wineries in the region. There will be the option for a traditional meat-filled asado (barbecue), which the country is known for and the chance to watch tango dancers, too.

Start planning your trip

Tick off a bucket list wildlife adventure in the Indian Ocean

(EcoProDivers)

If you’ve ever dreamt of getting up close and personal with wildlife off the coast of some of Asia’s most beautiful islands, then look to EcoProDivers. In the Maldives, you can indulge in snorkelling and diving adventures with majestic whale sharks and graceful manta rays or explore its serene waters from a kayak and stand-up paddleboard. Afterwards, refuel with a beach barbecue on secluded, uninhabited islands. Over in the waters around Komodo, Indonesia, EcoProDivers will take you to the almost unimaginable Pink Beach and introduce you to the country’s ancient Komodo dragons. The organisation emphasises environmental conservation, education and responsible tourism. You will cruise aboard a private yacht with the promise of unparalleled luxury in an intimate group of no more than six, fostering a uniquely personal and eco-conscious journey through some of the most mesmerising seascapes nature has to offer. Elevate your travel experience with EcoProDivers, where luxury meets adventure and conservation.

Book today

Experience a luxury Galápagos safari holiday

(Rebecca Adventure Travel)

This iconic archipelago offers an extraordinary encounter with wildlife and spectacular landscapes, and you can experience it for yourself on the Seven-Night Galapagos Luxury Safari with Rebecca Adventure Travel. Begin your journey by snorkelling at Kicker Rock, a haven for marine life and bird species. Then you’ll venture to pristine Isabela Island and kayak among sea creatures — including Northern Hemisphere penguins — and discover the wonders of Los Túneles’ world-class snorkelling. Next, Santa Cruz will welcome you with authentic Galápagos cuisine at Finch Bay Galapagos Hotel, the only beachfront hotel in Puerto Ayora. From here you can sail to uninhabited islands on a private luxury yacht, where you’ll spot sea lions, tropical birds and sunbathing iguanas.

Book now for a welcome cocktail treat

Adventure to the most beautiful places in the world

(Adventure Peaks Limited)

Have you ever dreamt of trekking the Inca Trail or skiing to the South Pole, climbing Kilimanjaro or reaching the Summit of Everest? The world is brimming with exciting destinations for you to discover, and for more than 20 years Adventure Peaks has offered a comprehensive collection of worldwide mountaineering expeditions and treks in some of the most remote parts of the world. Whether it’s a walk in the Lake District or the Alps, it can help you plan and prepare for your dream adventure.

Get in touch today

Plan the perfect holiday or UK staycation

(Ventrip)

Ventrip is one of the world’s fastest growing online travel booking platforms — so if you haven’t heard of it already, it’s time to check it out. It provides travellers around the world with an efficient and cost-effective way to book accommodation, tours and many other travel services, guaranteeing the best rates. There are around 200,000 properties and 55,000 experiences to choose from in over 200 countries worldwide, so rest assured there’s pretty much something for everyone — including some of the best experiences on offer here at home in the UK. The website is full of inspiration for both things to do and where best to stay.

Visit and get planning

Arrange a bespoke safari experience tailored to you

(Safarinut)

Want to plan a safari experience but not sure where to go or who to book with? The team at Safarinut work to understand your interests, needs, budget and preferences and then use extensive hands-on experience acquired over 20 years to curate bespoke safaris for first timers and experienced safari goers alike. Safarinut believes not all safaris are created equal, which is why it helps you choose the best locations — not necessarily the best-known national parks — and tailors the trip to you. It makes sure you stay in comfortable camps and avoid crowds, so you can get closer to the wildlife without intruding. Some safari destinations are even available to book exclusively. The team personally visit locations before recommending and will help you to find eco-friendly accommodations that offer qualified guides, allow game walks, night drives, outdoor meals and other activities to suit your tastes.

Book a trip by Tuesday 16 January 2024 with departure before Wednesday 31st December 2025 and get £300 off per two adults

Hit the slopes without breaking the bank on equipment

(Snow Rental)

If you’re heading for the slopes this winter, get the best price on your gear by shopping from Snowrental. With some 1,200 stores at an array of resorts across Europe, you’ll find incredible prices, with 10-50% off everything you need. Renting for the whole family? There’s even an extra 5% family discount available. What’s more, you can get your hands on different gear for different days, with multipack options spread out across each day, making it easy to switch between skiing and snowboarding.

Get an additional 10% discount for any booking made online on snowrental.com/en before Friday 15 December 2023 with the offer code Snow2024*

*10% additional discount in France and Andorra, 5% for other destinations

This content is brought to you by Living360, a digital lifestyle destination keeping you up to date with the latest trends surrounding health and fitness, food and drink, homes and gardens, beauty, travel, finance trends and more.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in