Incredible Bucket List Trips to Book in 2021
By Amy Wakeham
3 years ago
Escape the every day with these trips-of-a-lifetime from the best British travel companies
This year hasn’t been a great one for adventurers, unless you count the thrills of a staycation (and we certainly do). For those of you planning ahead to your next holiday, these are the most phenomenal bucket list trips we could find to book for 2021, from some of the best British travel companies around. Enjoy dreaming.
Bucket List Adventures with British Travel Companies
Spot the Big Five at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve with Virgin Limited Edition
Make the ultimate escape from the crowds with a weekend at Ulusaba Private Game Reserve in South Africa. A member of Virgin Limited Edition’s award-winning collection of retreats, it’s located in the western part of the Sabi Sand Private Game Reserve and offers unparalled access to the African bush. The three-day offer includes a luxurious room or suite in one of the reserve’s two lodges, both of which offer front-row views over a watering hole – so you can tick off the Big Five from the privacy of your room. There’ll also be twice daily game drives and a weather-dependant daily walking safari. Then round off the weekend with a free night at Mont Rochelle Hotel and Vineyard, overlooking stunning views of the Dassenberg Mountains, valley and vines, which also comes with a complimentary wine tasting.
Book it: Three nights at Ulusaba, plus a complimentary night at Mont Rochelle, from ZAR 12,000 (at today’s current exchange rate – £561.00) per person, per night based on double occupancy, for arrival 2nd January to 30th June 2021. Contact the reservations team on 0800 056 343 or [email protected]. virginlimitededition.com
Relax at Six Senses Laamu, The Maldives, with Turquoise Holidays
To most of us, the Maldives is still the jewel in the bucket-list crown. Gin-clear waters, pale blonde beaches, diving to die for, cocktails to kill for. They have something for everyone, so whether you’re an active adventurer or a soulful spa seeker, make 2021 your most spoiling year yet with a sweet soujourn to the Six Senses Laamu. It’s on a smaller, more understated island than many of the more rock and roll resorts – with its 97 villas strung along the powder-soft beach or hovering above the blue waters of the Indian Ocean. Dining is sumptuous and varied so you never get bored; there’s the 8ft Yin Yang world-class surf break just offshore; there’s also wakeboarding, diving, water-skiing and windsurfing. Snorkelling from the Chill Bar is literally like going into another world and the sight of playful spinner dolphins are a regular treat.
Book it: Seven nights in a Lagoon Water Villa, half board with flights and transfers from £2,999 per person. Includes all economy flights and transfers. 30% discount, 10% early bird, complimentary half board saving up to £2,500 per couple. turquoiseholidays.co.uk
Charter a Gulet Boat Exploring Kos and the Dodecanese Islands, Greece, with Red Savannah
Setting sail around the islands of the Northern Dodecanese, strung across the Aegean Sea like fairy lights, will be an adventure to remember. You’ll not only enjoy the thrill of the open sea in complete privacy but you’ll discover shorelines, secret bays and secluded coves left just as nature intended them. Red Savannah has launched an eight-day itinerary that allows guests the chance to fully explore the islands, each with their own distinct character, from wooded Leros (perfect for cycling through the cicada-filled olive groves), to castellated Patmos and the volcanic terrain of Nisiros (where you can climb to the top of the Stefanos Crater). Nights will be spent on a beautiful, traditional wooden gulet boat where your crew caters to each and every individual whim.
Book it: Red Savannah offers week-long private gulet charters with full crew from £11,034 per week. redsavannah.com
Pilot a submersible in Curaçao, ABC Islands, with Cookson Adventures
Live your own Life Aquatic with this unique, once-in-a-lifetime offer from Cookson Adventures. Your week-long voyage takes place in the picture-perfect ABC Islands in the Caribbean Sea, dotting between Curaçao, Bonaire and little-known islets. Over the trip you’ll learn to pilot a cutting-edge submersible watercraft and, once you’re confident, you’ll be able to dive the sub for the rest of the voyage, exploring the area’s aquarium-like waters, plus its many reefs and shipwrecks.
What’s more, there’ll be a leading shark expert onboard, who’ll be able to tell you everything you need to know about these magnificent creatures. And there’ll also be other exclusive opportunities provided by Cookson, from being deserted on a desert island for the night with your family and a survival expert, to treasure hunts and extravagant parties on private beaches.
Book it: From $92,000 for a seven-day submersible charter. cooksonadventures.com
Swim with Humpback Whales in Iceland with Black Tomato
Ask any adventure-loving traveller, and Iceland is sure to be near the top of their bucket list. And we can see why: with its gushing waterfalls, geothermal pools, rugged mountains and jet-black lava fields, it’s a trip you’ll never forget. As usual, Black Tomato has taken it to the next level, offering a trip to northern Iceland to go swimming with humpback whales under the midnight sun. This is Iceland as you’ve never experienced it before, designed for people looking to go beyond the usual Instagram post. Travellers will explore northern Iceland’s hidden spectacular fjords, trek through ice caves, visit locals-only thermal baths and swim with humpback whales under the midnight sun, in Arctic waters. Yes, you get a wetsuit.
Book it: Five nights for £7,750pp based on two people and excluding flights. blacktomato.com
Have a wildlife adventure across Ecuador, the Amazon, and the Galapagos Islands
Head into the wilds of South America with this unforgettable 16-day trip from LuxTripper. The adventure starts in the historic city of Quinto, Ecuador, before moving on to explore the Amazon rainforest via canoes and on foot. After that there’s a trip to experience Ecuador’s beautiful Cloud Forest, before you cruise around the Galapagos Islands on a boutique catamaran. There you’ll be able to see Galapagos penguins, seals and sharks for yourself, as well as exploring ancient lava fields on foot.
Book it: From £7,497 per person, including return flights from the UK, transfers to and from the airport, all tours and activities and all accommodation. luxtripper.co.uk
