 Peruvian Amazon | Abercrombie & Kent The allure of the unknown, of seeing what’s beyond the bend, has propelled humans forward since time began. That natural urge, the need to explore somewhere new, plays a role in the increasing popularity of Expedition Travel. But it’s not the only reason behind this trend.  Left: Silversea Antarctica Expedition Top Right: Matevulu Blue Hole, Vanuatu | Bottom Right: Ratua Private Island Resort, Vanuatu More and more travelers are embracing this immersive style of exploration because it creates a deeper connection to a place, opening the door to rare moments like sailing through the icy silence of Antarctica, tracing the wild edges of Svalbard and Greenland, or snorkeling Vanuatu’s glowing reefs and hiking its rain-soaked islands. Each journey sparks a sense of wonder and gently nudges travelers beyond the familiar, and that’s what’s driving the trend. Today’s travelers want more than a getaway; they’re seeking experiences that awaken curiosity, stretch perspective, and turn every day into something unforgettable.  Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland Sailing expeditions invite you to set sail through the fabled Northwest Passage in comfort unimaginable to the great Arctic explorers. Lean into the history talks and walk along the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spot muskoxen, whales, and other Arctic wildlife while sailing through Greenland and the High Arctic. These cruises operate only at certain times of year, so check in with me for the best timing and cruise line options.  Top Left: Neist Point Lighthouse, Scotland | Bottom Left: Galapagos Sea Lions Right: Purnululu National Park, Kimberley, Australia Or set a different course and sail aboard a luxury yacht along the Mekong in Vietnam, through the heart of the Amazon, or past the rugged red cliffs of Australia’s Kimberley coast. Small-ship voyages bring the world closer, offering personalized service, exceptional cuisine at sea, and thoughtfully curated experiences on land. For wildlife lovers, family-friendly journeys in the Galápagos offer up-close marine exploration, while Scotland’s storied shores pair sea adventures with cultural moments ashore and the option to end with a night at an old-world castle to round out the journey.  Gobi Desert, Mongolia Go further and discover a Mongolia that defies expectations. Spend time with reindeer herders in the taiga forests, learning how they live alongside their animals in some of the most remote landscapes on Earth. Wake to sunrise over the vast steppes and settle into a cozy traditional Mongolian ger, the circular tent used by nomadic families. Then journey into the sweeping dunes of the Gobi Desert before ending in Ulaanbaatar, where the buzz of the capital stands in striking contrast to the wild landscapes you explored.  Left: Croatia | Right: Chureito Pagoda, Japan Go slower with a cycling trip in Japan or Croatia. Ride through Japan’s quiet countryside, passing tea fields, wooden villages, and hidden shrines, or follow Croatia’s coastal paths through vineyards, olive groves, and medieval towns. E-bikes make this style of slow travel more accessible, offering a rewarding way to immerse yourself in places most tourists miss while rushing between bucket-list stops.  Victoria Falls | Abercrombie & Kent Ultra-luxe expeditions offer a whirlwind adventure to multiple continents and some of the world’s most extraordinary wonders. Top guides, truly bespoke service, exclusive accommodations, and private tarmac access that lets you skip crowded airports all come together to create a once-in-a-lifetime way to see the world. Many luxury tour operators offer this style of travel, and I can share the best options when you’re ready to plan something unforgettable. Explore without limits, immerse yourself fully and let the world inspire you in ways only travel can.
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 Necker Island, Private Caribbean Island Resort White sand, clear waters, and nothing but the sound of waves or a celebratory toast. A private island stay offers unmatched luxury, privacy, and a sense of exclusivity that’s hard to find elsewhere. Some islands are reserved for full buyouts, perfect for celebrations or multigenerational escapes, while others welcome individual bookings yet still feel ultra-private thanks to limited capacity and thoughtful design. Private island travel today spans everything between intimate seven-suite retreats and expansive resorts with full exclusivity, making paradise more accessible than ever.  Left: The Brando, French Polynesia | Right: Kokomo Private Island Resort, Fiji The Brando, French Polynesia: Formerly Marlon Brando’s personal paradise, this atoll near Tahiti now hosts 35 beachfront villas. Guests enjoy complete privacy, A-list service, and a no-photo policy that protects everyone’s anonymity. Booking type: Individual bookings Kokomo Private Island, Fiji: Set in the Kadavu Islands, Kokomo offers 21 villas and residences, each with private pools. It is especially well-suited for travelers seeking adventure, with family-friendly programs, diving, and wellness experiences. Booking type: Individual or full buyout  Miavana by Time + Tide, Madagascar Miavana by Time + Tide, Madagascar: Fly in by helicopter and step into another world with lemur treks, oceanfront villas, and family-friendly programs. Perfect for both couples and multi-gen groups. Booking type: Individual bookings or full buyout Ariara Island, Philippines: Located in a remote corner of the Palawan region, this 125-acre island includes beachfront villas, a full team, and custom excursions for those who truly want to disappear. Booking type: Full buyout only  Left: Velaa Private Island, Maldives | Right: Lizard Island, Australia Velaa Private Island, Maldives: One of the most luxurious islands in the world, Velaa accommodates up to 80 guests and is available for exclusive use. Overwater bungalows, a golf academy, private submarines, and world-class cuisine set the stage for an unforgettable escape. Booking type: Individual bookings or full buyout Lizard Island, Australia: Set right on the Great Barrier Reef, this island resort can be fully booked for private groups. Enjoy direct reef access, 24 private beaches, and acclaimed cuisine. Booking type: Individual bookings or exclusive use by request Discover just how extraordinary a private island stay can be.
 Bora Bora, French Polynesia No matter your travel style, lots of adventure or laid-back wandering, many travelers are realizing that some places are simply better experienced from the water. The perspective of arriving by ship offers a kind of magic you can’t get on land. Unpacking just once on a weeklong journey makes it even easier to enjoy the view. Below are some of my favorite places to see by sea.  Top Left: Uncruise Adventures Baja Mexico | Bottom Left: Lindblad Expeditions Baja California Right: Montage Los Cabos The slender Mexican peninsula of Baja California, set between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean, is a marine wildlife playground. This is the area Jacques Cousteau called “the world’s aquarium.” Adventure lovers will want to look at cruises that take them close to California Gray whales with their calves in sheltered lagoons. Swim with dolphins, sea lions, rays, and keep your eyes peeled for several varieties of whales.  Cala Luna Beach, Sardinia Island, Italy With its clear waters, rocky cliffs, hidden coves, hikes to historic relics, and stupendous views, Sardinia, Italy, might be one of the world’s best places to see from the water. Stop at the fishing village of Golfo Aranci, enjoy lunch and day at the beach. Snorkel near Figarolo Island in warm turquoise waters and watch for playful bottlenose dolphins. Make sure to sail past the pink sands of Spiaggia Rosa and stop at Caprera Island, and the tiny cove of Cala Coticcio, nicknamed Sardinia’s Tahiti.  Paul Gauguin Cruises, Bora Bora, French Polynesia | Coral Reef Famous for its gin-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and welcoming people, sailing in French Polynesia is the best way to see its 188 islands. Smaller ships can navigate the coral shoals and anchor close enough to the volcanic isles that you can enjoy grand views from your stateroom. Consider traveling in July when locals on each island showcase traditional skills and dances in competition. It’s an unbeatable way to experience the local culture.  Seabourn Pursuit, Wayag Island, Raja Ampat, Indonesia In Raja Ampat, Indonesia, often called the last paradise, more than 1,500 islands scatter across the waters where the Pacific and Indian Oceans meet. Known for having some of the richest marine biodiversity on Earth, this remote archipelago is a dream for divers and nature lovers alike. Days can be spent gliding over coral gardens in Misool, spotting rare birds-of-paradise in the jungle, or kayaking through hidden lagoons and limestone islets; a journey that feels both wild and wonderfully untouched.  Left: Baths National Park, Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands Top Right: Explora Journeys | Bottom Right: Jost Van Dyke and Tortola, British Virgin Islands Island hopping in the calm waters of the British Virgin Islands is the bucket-list private-yacht experience you need with family or friends. With a chef preparing meals, you’ve got all day to sun, swim, and fish. There are more than 60 islands, each with its own distinct feel and offerings. Ask your crew for their favorite hidden coves. I like Virgin Gorda for nature and great restaurants, Tortola for white sandy beaches, and Jost van Dyke for the nightlife. Sail between as many as you can and stop when you spot a gorgeous cove. It’s easy to live your best life at sea in the British Virgin Islands.  Seychelles, Swan Hellenic | Photo Credit: Russ Nassof, Synergistic Travels client Set in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the remote archipelago of the Seychelles boasts crystalline waters, silky sands and rare island biodiversity. A luxury expedition cruise with Swan Hellenic offers privileged access to fragile ecosystems reachable only by ship, where turtle-nesting beaches, giant Aldabra tortoises and vibrant reef life await. Whether you’re diving into coral gardens around the outer islands or anchoring beneath swaying palms as the sun sets, this is an immersive nature-first voyage where effortless style meets true wilderness. Let’s find the ship, the sea, and the scenery that suit you best. Grand Waliea, Maui Hawaii continues to be one of the most beloved travel destinations in the world. Well-known islands like Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island draw visitors with their iconic sights, while Kauai and Lanai invite a more intimate, slower-paced kind of exploration. Whichever island you choose holds its own charm, character, and reasons to keep coming back.  1 Hotel Hanalei, Kauai On Kauai, nature takes center stage. Known as the Garden Isle, it’s home to dramatic emerald cliffs, secret beaches, and the stunning Waimea Canyon—nicknamed the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” New eco-tours are making it even easier to experience the island’s hidden waterfalls and native flora up close. Best for: hikers and outdoor lovers, photographers, couples looking for quiet.  Hana, Maui Maui remains a beloved favorite for a reason. The island is full of soul-stirring sights, from the sunrise summit of Haleakala to the curves of the Road to Hana and the crystal-clear waters of Molokini. While Lahaina continues to rebuild, the island’s spirit of aloha is stronger than ever, and visitors play an important role in supporting its recovery. Best for: families, first-time Hawai‘i travelers, snorkelers, and adventure seekers.  Sensei Lanai Lanai might be Hawaii’s smallest inhabited island, but it delivers outsized adventure and serenity. This off-the-beaten-path escape invites travelers to slow down, reconnect with nature, and explore sacred cultural sites like Kaunolu, once a fishing village for Hawaiian royalty. A new stargazing program takes full advantage of the island’s dark skies. Best for: wellness-focused travelers, couples, and anyone craving a truly unplugged luxury escape.  Waikki Beach, Oahu Oahu is where history and modern energy live side by side. Take in the stories of the past at the Pearl Harbor Memorial, stroll the famous sands of Waikiki, or head north to watch surfers tackle world-famous waves. New cultural exhibits and walking tours are launching around Honolulu, offering more profound insights into Hawaiian heritage. Best for: history buffs, surfers and surf-watchers, multi-generational families, and food lovers.  Kona Village Resort, Hawaii Hawaii Island (also called the Big Island) is a land shaped by fire and sea. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers a front-row view of Earth’s raw power, while coffee farms, black-sand beaches, and lush rainforests complement the island's diverse terrain. New guided hikes will take travelers into lesser-known lava tubes and native bird habitats. Best for: volcano and geology enthusiasts, stargazers and golfers, adventure travelers. Five islands. A thousands reasons to go.
 Antarctica Europe will always be a classic, but more travelers are now looking farther afield for their next big adventure. Remote islands, dynamic cities, and wildlife-rich regions are topping the list for those ready to go the distance. As demand surges for Europe’s top destinations, this is the perfect time to explore beyond the usual and start planning the big trip you’ve been dreaming about.  Top: Mt Fuji | Kyomizu, Kyoto Bottom: Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono | Hoshinoya Tokyo Japan continues to be popular thanks to the strength of the dollar against the yen. The temples of Kyoto and the dazzle of Tokyo are a must, but why not discover gorgeous empty beaches in Okinawa? In the North, skiers will find the legendary JaPow on the island of Hokkaido and enjoy the onsen après-scene that you can't find anywhere else.  Top: Intercontinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef | Uluru Bottom: Sydney | Koala Bears Australia never disappoints. Come to cuddle with a koala in Queensland, watch a mob of kangaroos lope across the Outback, and admire the sun set against the massive red stone of Uluru. Down Under is famous for its wildlife and outdoor adventures, but its cities are no slouch. See Sydney's famous harbour and wander the shops and cafes of Melbourne's laneways.  Top: Antarctica - Bottom: Emporer Penguins | National Geographic - Lindlad Expeditions Cruisers of all ages and stages are heading to Antarctica. If you haven't sailed the infamous Drake Passage yet, maybe it's time to see why everyone is talking about it. Expedition ships come in all styles—from ultra-luxe to family-friendly—and they all bring you up close to the icy landscapes, curious penguins, and jaw-dropping wildlife. These trips are also your chance to take a cold plunge right into the icy waters of Antarctica. Or book a small-ship adventure in the Galapagos for a bit of family quality time admiring giant tortoises and sea turtles, marine iguanas and those super cute blue-footed boobies.  Ready for a safari? They vary from country to country. In Botswana's Okavango Delta, go for game paddles in a mokoro, or dugout canoe, or try South Africa for game drives in the open savannah. Between Kenya and Tanzania, see the Great Migration of wildebeest, zebra, and gazelles (and the big cats that come to feast) in Masai Mara National Park. Speak with me about the best bush camps for couples, multi-generational groups, and families with older teens. African Safari? Kangaroos in Australia?
Cold Plunge in Antarctica? Where will you go next? |
AuthorCindy Jorgenson, Owner and Travel Expert Archives
October 2025
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