UK +44 (0)1367 850566

USA 1-855-216-5040

Top 10 Epic and Unforgettable Holidays

Time + Tide Miavana Madagascar (55) 2.jpg

I don’t know about you, but I have got to that stage in life where I am simply not prepared to undertake any form of travel whatsoever unless it falls under the epic and unforgettable journeys title. After all – if it’s not going to be truly sensational, memorable and mind blowing – why travel at all?

Life is sacrosanct, our holidays even more so – which is why we want to spend them wisely. And with so many continents and experiences to choose from, it’s hard to know where to begin! To qualify for such an accolade – the first rule is that it has to be uncommon. Something special, rare, not easily found.

For example, in Africa, there is Chad. A magnificent country with wildlife that is on a par with its mesmerising culture. Few, if any, tourists to be seen – and an experience that harks back almost a hundred years ago, when safaris were in their infancy.

Yet in Zakouma National Park, one can fly in with a private guide and a party of up to eight people and have the week to oneself, seeing extraordinary wildlife including elephant and lion amongst a plethora of impressive birdlife and landscapes to take one’s breath away.

Or, to Zambia, home to the traditional walking safaris in Africa, where one can have a region almost to oneself in Liuwa Plains. A magnificent tented camp, catering for just a handful of privileged people and during the off season, the plains are carpeted in wild flowers where wild dog and strong lion populations can be seen.

  • Simien.jpg

If it is migrations one is after, then perhaps the Makgadikgadi salt pans in Botswana’s Kalahari desert, where the zebra migrate across the flat, white, shimmering pans. Or Madagascar – where one can still find a country largely untouched by westernisation – a real joy!

Perhaps take a catamaran fully crewed around the islands or landing on an island and staying at a chic, Robinson Crusoe style lodge. Or, for those wanting the highest level of luxury, Miavama offers the height of beauty, luxury and a pristine experience with the most extraordinary white sand beaches and fabulous turtle viewing at the right time of year.

One of the most amazing experiences without doubt, although at some cost, is to take a helicopter through the Danakil Depression in Ethiopia – the most extraordinary region one can ever imagine – whilst flying on a private safari through the Rift Valley – from Kenya to Ethiopia.

The Polar regions still hold an area of mysticism and wonder for most inveterate travellers. This is the centenary year of Shackleton’s third epic voyage, where he rowed back and rescued all 27 sailors in the face of extreme danger, and there are some wonderful experiences to be had in Antarctica!

  • Antarctica10-LM.jpg

You can embark on an expedition ship to cruise to South Georgia and the Falkland islands, both truly beautiful with abundant wildlife, with Polar expert Seb Coulthard FRGS accompanying. Seb re-enacted  part of Shackleton’s voyage using  all the original equipment, without any modern aids.

Or if you have an aversion to sailing, you can fly into Antarctica itself and see these extraordinary glaciers. This incredible region is on most people’s bucket list, and these trips are great for couples and families alike!

Or have a luxury, Nomadic camp set up for you in India, in the Himalayas, where no accommodation exists, seeing tribes that rarely have any contact with western civilisation in areas of breath taking beauty. Amazing walking and views and birdlife and flowers wherever you look!

  • Asia - holiday ideas - Himalayan walking holidays 2.JPG

If you like to trek, head to the Annapurna and Everest regions in Nepal, to walk through exquisite countryside. Here you’ll be the only Western face, having the privilege to witness an agrarian lifestyle that one can only hope they can maintain.

Stay in lovely, authentic lodges and awaken each morning to the most fabulous views of some of the highest peaks in the Himalayan mountain range. Or take a helicopter to the most barren, desert area of Mustang, a Buddhist settlement in north eastern Nepal.

Any of these are journeys that deserve the very highest accolade in relation to the term epic – each one deserving the highest status in terms of experiential tourism! But with our world changing so quickly, ice caps melting and westernisation forcing its way to the most seemingly remote regions – it makes it even more imperative that we travel as quickly as possible before these pristine regions change.

logo