There are many advantages to staying in a hostel one of which is the ability to spend less on accommodation and more on the experiences offered by the country you are visiting.
Meeting new people, trying new foods, taking in new environments or taking part in adrenaline spiking activities shake us out of our comfort zone and can help to challenge perceptions of our own limits, and of the world around us.
Here are some of our dream experiences that are sure to have a lasting impact, and will have you reminiscing and recounting stories of your adventures for years to come.
Float in golden waters
If kayaking in the golden waters of the midnight sun or witnessing the magnificent displays of the Aurora Borealis is on your bucket list then Bodø should be on your radar. This town provides a gateway to all the magical experiences Northern Norway has to offer. Hop on a short ferry journey to visit the Lofoten islands, hike Norway’s second-largest glacier Svartisen, or visit the world’s most powerful natural whirlpool Saltstraumen.
When to go? The midnight sun can be experienced from May to July and the northern lights can be seen from November to March.
Take the Nordland railway line from Trondheim to Bodø. An experience in itself, and named one of the world’s most beautiful night train journeys by Lonely Planet and stay @HIBodø
Drive into the Sunset
Experience California’s rugged coastline and visit some of the most iconic spots in the US. Considered one of the best road trips in the world, California’s Pacific Coast Highway aka Highway One connects San Francisco to Los Angeles.
Driving from North to South keeps spectacular and unobstructed ocean views on the right side of the road, which will be particularly important for the 150km stretch of road from Carmel-by-the-Sea to San Simeon known as the Big Sur.
This part of the trip is considered to have of the most dramatic undeveloped coastline in the world with insane views, great stargazing opportunities, and some epic surfing, hiking and camping spots along the way. This is a road trip that packs it all in.
Stay @HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica or HI San Francisco Downtown
Party Big
Carnival provides an annual opportunity to shake it off through a celebration of life, joy and unity. A simultaneous explosion of costume, food, art, dance and music, taking part in Carnival is an unforgettable experience that can open your eyes to new cultures and ways of living. What better way to witness this cacophony of culture than by experiencing Carnival in Rio.
While the celebrations for 2022 have been cancelled, we reckon it’s time to get ahead of the curve and start planning for 2023. After a two year hiatus, it is sure to be the best Carnival yet.
A whale of a time
Catching a glimpse of a dorsal fin, hearing a gush of air rise from a blowhole, whale watching when done ethically and responsibly, is an exhilarating and awe-inspiring travel experience.
Vancouver Island, Canada is a nature lovers dream, and one of the best spots in the world for whale watching. Humpbacks, Grey whales and one of the world’s largest resident Ocra pods are best seen from March to October.
With any wildlife or nature-based tour be sure to do your research and ensure the company you choose prioritises the welfare of the animals, and has sustainable policies in place. Here are 6 tips on how to be a wildlife-friendly traveller from World Animal Protection
Hop on the Tofino bus from Vancouver and Stay @HI – Tofino – Whaler’s on the Point Guesthouse to experience the ultimate coastal adventure.
Dive into a tropical paradise
“The sea once it casts its spell holds one in its net of wonder forever.”- Jacques Cousteau.
Scuba diving is often hailed as one of the most incredible and memorable experiences you can have, it transports you to another world, and allows the opportunity to witness the diversity of life under the sea, and when it comes to the sheer beauty and an incredible array of undersea life it is hard to top the Great Barrier Reef.
Famously known as the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, is not just the perfect spot for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. It is an ideal springboard for exploring all that Northern Queensland has to offer including one of the world’s oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests, Daintree.
Dare to soar
Combine the excitement of flying with thrilling and breath-taking views. Paragliding is not one for the faint-hearted, but it is sure to be one of the most unique and unforgettable experiences you will ever have.
Slovenia’s picture-perfect Lake Bled is an excellent spot all year round for both professionals and beginners that allows you to glide on thermals above blue waters and dark pines. If heights aren’t your thing, not to worry, the beauty and magic of Lake Bled can be just as easily experienced from the ground by bike or foot.
For an easy and family-friendly excursion, check out the Vintgar Gorge in the Triglav National Park, Slovenia’s largest protected area and only national park.
Ready, Set, Go-Kart
With Japan set to relax its borders, it’s time to start thinking about planning that must-do Japanese adventure. Have a wheely fun time (sorry, had to be done) and explore Japan’s third-largest city, Osaka, by go-kart! Karting around this electric city is sure to provide an epic experience and serious Mario-Kart nostalgia.
If go-karting doesn’t spin it for you, Osaka is also a food lover’s dream. Kuidaore, roughly translating to, eat until you drop, is synonymous with the city, and whether you want to turn your hand to learn how to make sushi or try some of the cities famous dishes there is definitely something exciting on the menu to experience.
Do you have a travel experience you are dreaming of?
If so let us know
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