Unique Vacations: 5 Alternative travel ideas for your next trip

Karen GEORGE

19 Jun 2015

updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:02

1/5
Trans-Siberian Railway
For years, the iconic Trans-Siberian Railway has captured the imagination of travellers the world over. Spanning 5,753 miles of track, the iconic train ride connects travellers from China to Russia and vice versa. There are three main routes offered on the world’s longest railway network: Moscow to Beijing via Mongolia, Moscow to Beijing via Harbin, Manchuria and Moscow to Vladivostok, the last of which is the longest and least popular of all.
Traverse the continents from Asia to Europe and witness the changing landscapes from China’s magnificent Great Wall to Mongolia’s Gobi Desert and finally, the vast and varying landscapes of the Russian countryside before you arrive in cosmopolitan Moscow.
The Trans-Siberian Railway is certainly an epic journey of a lifetime and one every able-bodied traveller should aim to cross off their bucketlist.
For more info or to book a trip check out STA Travel
Photo: Transsiberian-Travel
2/5
Culinary Travel
Sometimes travel isn’t about ticking off museums, sculptures, skyscrapers and shopping malls from your must-see list. Sometimes it’s just about kicking back and enjoying the authentic local food on offer. If these lines resonate with you, perhaps you're a gourmet traveller. Your idea of a good vacation is heading to the local market, touring wine yards, attending cooking lessons with Michelin-starred chefs and learning about the fresh produce in your destination of choice. Afterall, there’s no better way to understand a region's culture than through its food. Whether you’re in Italy, France or even India, these culinary vacations are sure to expand your culinary skills and leave your tastebuds tingling for more.
For more info or to book a trip check out Zicasso
Photo: Zicasso
3/5
Yoga retreat
Most people go on holidays to escape from the hustle and bustle of it all, but unless you’re vacationing at some super secluded beach or your very own private island, chances are you’ll come back just as knackered as when you left. That won’t be the case though if you embark on a yoga retreat.
Unlike your regular weekend yoga class, yoga retreats offer the full blowout in luxurious tranquil settings with unmatched breathtaking views that are sure to make all those body contortions much more enjoyable. With classes to suit every preference and style of yoga, you’ll be getting your Om on in no time!
For more info or to book a trip check out Ananda Spa, Five Elements, or The Yoga Barn
Photo: Ananda Spa
4/5
Glamping
Camping has come a long way since back in the day. Now you can enjoy the great outdoors without having to sacrifice modern day comforts like beds, electricity and a proper shower space. That is the promise of glamping, a portmanteau of the words 'glamour' and 'camping' which lets you reconnect with nature and sleep under the stars in comfortable luxury. Glamping spots can be found everywhere from Asia to Africa, with some offering safari tours, jungle hikes and other activities to add to the overall experience. Whether you choose to glamp in yurts, tipis, eco-pods or extravagant tents, this is a unique vacation that’s sure to go down as one of the more memorable trips you’ll make.
For more info or to book a trip check out Chem Chem Safari or Go Glamping.

Photo: Chem Chem Safari
5/5
Luxury cruise
Nothing spells the good life quite like a vacation on the high seas. The appeal of the luxury cruise is undeniable: gourmet food, luxurious accommodations, state-of-the-art entertainment and excellent service. To disembark and explore a destination and then retire to your own private cabin and wake up in yet another new destination does have its appeal. What’s more, everything is tailored to suit your desires on the cruise so you won’t have to go through the hassle of planning your travel itinerary or planning where to go for your next meal. That’s not to say that you won’t have your freedom on a cruise as travellers are allowed to explore on their own as long as they return within the stipulated times.
For more info or to book a trip check out Royal Caribbean or Misa Travel Cruises
Photo: Facebook/ Royal Carribean

Skip the usual tried and tested itineraries and go for these out of the ordinary plans that are bound to create some unforgettable memories.

For every cut and dry standard vacation there’s a more fabulous and just as viable counterpart for creative travellers seeking a unique twist to their holidays. Why settle for the usual tour package to Europe where you’re just a number in the crowd, shuttling from place to place in a hazy blur? That’s no way to see a country and if you’re anything of a discerning traveller, you know there’s a better way to explore a new destination. And you’re right.

From glamping at exotic locations to sailing the world aboard a 5 star cruise ship, consider exploring these inspiring and exciting alternative travel ideas to make your next vacation that much more memorable.

Don’t know where to start? No worries, we’ve played travel guide and compiled 5 ideas that are sure to appeal to all interests and budgets.

Remember, it’s never too late to venture off the beaten path!

Karen George

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Unique Vacations: 5 Alternative travel ideas for your next trip

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