The Coolest Places in the World You Can Travel to
Content and CRM Executive
Exotic creatures in the Galápagos, glacier snowmobiles in Iceland, geothermal hot springs in Japan – book a place on one of these trips and you’ll get see the funkiest parts of the planet.
Overwhelmed by the number of places on your bucket list? Looking for somewhere a little more unique? Get inspired by this selection of some of the coolest places in the world to visit. By joining one of our specially curated itineraries, you don’t even need to worry about the logistics.
The Galápagos Islands, for abundant wildlife and awe-inspiring landscapes
Situated around 1,000km (620mi) off the coast of mainland Ecuador and dispersed on either side of the Equator, the Galápagos Islands are without doubt one of the most unique places to visit in the world. This pristine Pacific archipelago is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife – including giant tortoises, sea lions, penguins and magnificent frigatebirds – as well as numerous remote, uninhabited islands. From kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in the Itabaca Channel to hiking along lava trails on San Cristóbal and swimming with sea lions at Punta Carola beach, this five-day tour will give you a real sense of all that it has to offer.
From US$1869
Next available from 6th Jan 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island
ENDS AT
Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, San Cristobal Island
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
14
PHYSICAL RATING
Light
STYLE
Discovery
Iceland, for glaciers, black sand beaches and the Northern Lights
A sparsely inhabited volcanic island on the edge of the Arctic Circle, boasting geothermal springs, vast glaciers and lunar-like desert landscapes, Iceland warrants a place on any traveller’s bucket list. Harsh, volatile weather conditions shouldn’t deter you from visiting this extraordinary country – where the brightness of snow-capped mountains is juxtaposed with ribbons of green as the Northern Lights frequently shimmer in the sky. Standout experiences on this five-day adventure include bombing across a glacier on a snowmobile, visiting the three main sites of the Golden Circle – Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir Hot Spring Area and Gullfoss Waterfall – and soaking in the milky, therapeutic waters of the Blue Lagoon.
From US$2369
Next available from 21st Oct 2023
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Reykjavik, Iceland
ENDS AT
Reykjavik, Iceland
DURATION
5
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Japan, for hot springs, bamboo forests and sushi-making
Japan is a country that truly has it all – neon-lit skyscrapers, bamboo forests, ancient temples, breathtaking mountains and so much more. By joining this 12-day Rail Trip you’ll get a true sense of Japan’s history, culture and natural beauty. Beginning in the foodie capital, Osaka, you’ll head south on the Bullet Train to learn about the devastating history and resilience of Hiroshima, before exploring the backstreets of Kyoto by bike and hiking through the vermilion-coloured torii gates of Fushimi Inari – one of Japan’s most important shrines. Sip sake, soak in onsens and marvel at bubbling volcanic geysers in the mountains – you’ll also be treated to fabulous views of Mount Fuji on a cruise across Lake Ashi. Top it all off with sushi-making, taiko drumming and sightseeing in Tokyo – the perfect place to wrap up your trip.
From US$2774
Next available from 12th Oct 2023
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Osaka, Japan
ENDS AT
Tokyo, Japan
DURATION
12
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Georgia, for stunning mountain scenery and world class wining and dining
Tucked away in the Caucasus Mountains, blending the boundaries of Europe and Asia, is this uniquely beautiful nation. It’s a land where fairytale churches pop their heads up amid rugged snow-capped landscapes, verdant forests conceal a world of exploration, and where ancient cities transport you back to another time. It’s also, somewhat surprisingly, one of the best wine destinations on Earth and, thanks to the famed sulphur baths of Tbilisi, a bit of a spa destination. Our incredible value nine-day trip here explores all of these facets, starting in Tbilisi before heading into the country for hiking, baking and wine tasting. We’ll drive through Truso Gorge and visit remote villages, dine on local delicacies and visit the gorgeous Gergeti Church. To top it all off we’ll go for a well earned soak in those sulphur baths, leaving your relaxed and rejuvenated after the trip of a lifetime.
From US$1167
Next available from 24th Sep 2023
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Tbilisi, Georgia
ENDS AT
Tbilisi, Georgia
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Jordan, for cinematic landscapes and ancient wonders
Hollywood’s obsession with this otherworldly land is reason enough to find in intoxicating. Blockbusters like Dune (2021), The Martian (2015) and various Star Wars properties have long used Wadi Rum’s rusty, rocky desert as a playground, while the ancient city of Petra is the climactic location in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989). There’s reason beyond its list of IMDB credits to join our eight-day Jordan trip, though. As well as a 4×4 exploration of Wadi Rum followed by desert camping under the stars, and a cool backdoor route into Petra, avoiding the crowds, we’ll also float in the Dead Sea, snorkel in the Red Sea and discover incredible Arabic street food in Amman.
From US$2379
Next available from 6th Jan 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Amman, Jordan
ENDS AT
Amman, Jordan
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
Costa Rica, to soak in volcanic hot springs and hang with the sloths
If it’s cool enough for the sloths, it’s cool enough for us. This Central American paradise is a highlights reel of Mother Nature’s greatest creations, from domineering volcanoes and the geothermal joys that sprout from them, to mystical cloud forests and glorious Pacific beaches. On our eight-day trip here you’ll soak in volcanic hot springs in Arenal and splash about in a jungle waterfall before going sloth spotting on a rainforest hike. You’ll sip some of the best coffee of your life, before staying at a cloud forest lodge, where you’ll learn about Costa Rican cuisine and go white-water rafting on the Tenorio River before ending up in the laid-back surf town of Tamarindo. There really is no place on Earth like Costa Rica, just ask the sloths.
From US$2099
Next available from 9th Dec 2023
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
San Jose, Costa Rica
ENDS AT
Tamarindo, Provincia De Guanacaste
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
17
PHYSICAL RATING
Moderate
STYLE
Discovery
This is an updated version of an article originally written by Emma Gibbins.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
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