21 Fun Travel Experiences You Need to Try Once in Your Life
There’s some intangible thing about travel that transforms you somehow.
It’s less about the act of seeing new places than about experiencing new things that challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone, make your heart race or take your breath away.
Many of my most memorable experiences were surprising, exciting, even magical — the kind of stories that you tell for a lifetime.
If you want your travels to be unforgettable, check out 21 once-in-a-lifetime experiences you should try at least once.
1. Follow the Northern Lights in Norway
Nothing compares to finding yourself beneath a dark sky, feet planted on the earth, waves of neon green and purple twisting above your head.
For optimal views of the Northern Lights, head to Tromsø, Norway, or to the Lofoten Islands, where the Arctic vistas add an extra layer of reality-begging surrealism.
2. Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia
Gliding over the fairy chimneys and valleys of Cappadocia at sunrise feels like a dream.
Nothing beats seeing hundreds of vibrantly colored balloons in the sky, it is pure magic.
3. Dolphins with Dolphins in the Wild Azures
Forget aquariums — swimming with dolphins in the wild is a totally different experience.
Or jump into the crystal-clear Atlantic in the Azores and watch them gliding alongside you in their natural habitat.
4. Trek to Machu Picchu at Sunrise
The first glimpse of Machu Picchu bathed in golden light as you step through the Sun Gate? Unreal.
A trek along the Inca Trail is an adventure in and of itself, snaking through misty mountains and ancient ruins before finally arriving at the vertical city.
5. Stay in an Overwater Bungalow in Maldives
Waking up to the sound of lapping waves, walking straight into the turquoise ocean, watching the sunset from your private deck—it’s as dreamy as it sounds.
If you’re going to treat yourself to a trip of a lifetime, this is it.
6. Sleep Under the Stars in the Sahara Desert
Galloping through miles of sand dunes atop a camel and sleeping in a Berber camp under the Milky Way?
It’s the sort of experience that makes you feel insignificant in the best way.
7. Cross the Swiss Alps on a Scenic Train Ride
The Glacier Express passes through snow-capped mountains, deep valleys and postcard-worthy villages.
It’s an epic train ride through some of the world’s most stunning scenery.
8. Snorkel Between Two Continents in Iceland
At Silfra Fissure, you can actually swim between North America and Europe in the clearest water on the planet.
The visibility is ridiculous, and the experience is like swimming through another world.
9. Walk Across a Glass Bridge Above a Canyon in China
The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge hangs 980 feet above a canyon — walking across it is at once terrifying and thrilling.
It’s not for the faint of heart but the vistas are otherworldly.
10. Take a Road Trip on Australia’s Great Ocean Road
Driving along cliffside roads with ocean views, pulling over to see beaches, waterfalls and the famed Twelve Apostles, is the dream of freedom.
11. Explore the Floating Markets in Thailand
Explosions of tropical fruits, exploding street food and fresh coconut drinks — Thailand’s floating markets are sensory overload.
It’s a vintage experience that feels like a step back in time.
12. See the Cherry Blossoms in Japan
For a short period of a few weeks in spring, Japan is enveloped in soft pink petals and offers one of the most picturesque sights in the world.
Sitting under the cherry blossom tree and having a picnic will be memorable experiences, in a simple way.
13. Watch the Great Migration in Africa
Watching thousands of wildebeest and zebras cross the Serengeti as lions and crocodiles lie in wait?
It’s primal, visceral and nothing short of mind blowing.
14. Walk as the Locals Do at Victoria Falls
You can literally swim to the edge of one of the world’s largest waterfalls at Devil’s Pool in Zambia.
It’s exhilarating and a bit terrifying, but the views? Unmatched.
15. Monitor Bioluminescent Waters in Puerto Rico
At Mosquito Bay, water glows an electric blue as you move through it, millions of tiny bioluminescent organisms lighting up the night.
It seems like magic — like swimming through an ocean of stars.
16. Go Ice Caving in Iceland
Within Iceland’s glacier caves, everything sparkles blue and surreal, as if crossing the threshold into a frozen fairy tale.
These caves are in flux from year to year, and no two visits are alike.
17. Zip Around Rome on a Vespa
And zooming through ancient streets, past the Colosseum and picturesque piazzas, makes you feel like you’re in a vintage Italian movie.
It’s one of the better ways to see Rome.”
18. Stay in a Tree House in Costa Rica
Imagine waking up in the middle of a rainforest, hearing howler monkeys in the distance and watching tropical birds fly outside your window.
These treehouse lodges in Costa Rica immerse you in nature in the best way possible.
19. Explore the Mountains of Patagonia
With soaring peaks, glacial lakes and untamed scenery, it’s hard to beat Patagonia as one of the most breathtaking places on the planet.
Every trail provides vistas that somehow can’t be real.
20. Celebrate Holi in India
There is no experience more exhilarating than getting hit by colorful powders, dancing on the roads and rejoicing on the merriment of Holi.
It’s one of the most colorful, jubilant festivals on the planet.
21. Hawaii, Diving with Manta Rays
At night, graceful manta rays glide all around you and the ocean lits up.
It’s tranquil, hypnotic and utterly unforgettable.
