1. Rack up those stamps
\n<\/b><\/h2>\n
Scroll through Instagram and you\u2019ll find countless wanderlusters attempting to visit a rounded-number of countries before their next decade. It\u2019s a fun goal to make, but one where proximity is key. Consider starting your adventure in Europe\u2014specifically Paris. Stay at Hotel Luxembourg Parc<\/a>, a classic Louis XV-style hotel that\u2019s a mere 10-minute walk to Luxembourg Palace and Gardens. From here, you can easily take inexpensive trains to Brussels (stay at Rocco Forte Hotel Amigo<\/a> right next to the Grand Palace), Zurich (consider historic 5-star landmark The Dolder Grand<\/a>), Frankfurt (stay at centrally located luxury property The Charles<\/a>), Amsterdam (stay in one of a series of connected canal houses at The Pulitzer<\/a>) and Milan (try the luxury ME Milan – II Duca<\/a>, located right on the Piazza della Republica). You’ll build your country list (and your alcohol tolerance as you sip on local wines and beers!).<\/p>\n After a difficult breakup, a tough quarter at work or just when you need a little me time, a solo vacation is a traveling experience everyone should undertake at least once. If you want to go on an adventure but not travel too-too far, consider Veron BC, Canada. Just a few hours away via the friendly skies, this area lies in the heart of Lake Okanagan, where you can unwind, connect to nature and have some peace, quiet and zen vibes. Stay at the Sparkling Hill Wellness Resort and Spa<\/a>, featuring KurSpa, a 40,000-square foot European-inspired spa, clinic and wellness center and the largest spa in the country. You\u2019ll even get to experience underwater music, a Swarvoski crystal night ski and pick from more than 100 transformative spa treatments.<\/p>\n If you’re a total type-A who plans every last leg of your vacation right down to dinner reservations and tours months before you take off, a spontaneous trip will put you out of your comfort zone\u2014in a good way. For a place that will immerse you into unexpected culture, book a trip to Belgrade, Serbia. Still relatively undiscovered in the southeast of Europe, challenge your taste buds with traditional and modern culinary options, take day trips to nearby countries with day hikes, or just lay back and enjoy the at-ease culture. After all, you\u2019re trying a different way of travel, remember? (Psst: For a classic experience, stay at Vrcar Hotel\u2019s Metropol Palace<\/a>.)<\/p>\n It\u2019s always a learning curve when you trek to a country whose language you don\u2019t speak. While locals always appreciate attempts to say thanks<\/em>, please<\/em> and good day<\/em>, truly studying a new language can change your entire travel experience. If you make it to Costa Rica, consider staying at Los Suenos Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort<\/a> in Herradura. This destination located between an 1,100-acre rainforest and the Atlantic Ocean offers hour-long Spanish classes, from beginner to advanced, every day by the pool. Don\u2019t forget to say gracias <\/em>when your poolside drink arrives!<\/p>\n A parent\u2019s wish for their child is always for them to experience more of the world and enjoy more success than they dreamed of. That\u2019s why it\u2019s a kind idea to pay it back to the folks who reminded you that if you believed you could, you can. Consider taking them to a family-owned hotel like Little River Inn<\/a> in Mendocino County, CA. It\u2019s been passed down through five generations and offers 66 rooms and cottages, so you can stay together or separate, depending on how loud pops snores. While you can explore nearby sites like Glass Beach and Russian Gulch State Park, you can also enjoy on property experiences like their award-winning gourmet restaurant and their Audubon-certified golf course.<\/p>\n Already made the trip to Disney? If your gaggle is up for something new, tell the kids to pick-their-own mountain adventure and maybe they\u2019ll want to head to Cle Elum, Washington, on the sunny side of the Cascade mountains outside of Seattle. Sweeten the deal by reminding them Suncadia Resort<\/a> is basically a giant playground, offering everything from guided hikes, snowmobile tours, ice skating, moped rides, river floats and more. (And hey, there\u2019s even a winery on the resort for ma and pa!)<\/p>\n Worlds highest and longest glass Bridge as of 2016 in Zhangjiajie, Chunan, China<\/p><\/div>\n One of the most life-changing parts about traveling is how it forces you to look at life from a new perspective. And while you might not typically choose to walk on the wild side, if you\u2019re going to go on an adventure, why not push the envelop and overcome a fear (or two)? At Tensing Pen Resort<\/a> in Negril, Jamaica, you can jump from an 18-foot-high bridge that links both sides of the resort property. Or for a super-brave thrill, head to the nearby desk that\u2019s 21 feet high. And for the scariest of all, have a shot of liquid courage at Rick\u2019s Cafe before watching professional divers make the 60 to 85 foot jump.<\/p>\n As one of the ultimate travel experiences that\u2019s on nearly every nomad\u2019s bucket list, seeing exotic animals in their natural habitat is so breathtaking that a photo won\u2019t do it justice. For a South African experience, stay at the Gondwana Game Reserve<\/a>. Just a four-hour drive from Cape Town along the Garden Route, this 26,000-acre reserve is set among indigenous Fynbos vegetation with views of the Langeberg Mountains. Every morning and evening, enjoy the included safaris where you\u2019ll definitely feel like you\u2019re one with nature.<\/p>\n You don\u2019t need to set out on months-long hike to get the amazing sense of accomplishment that comes with trekking a mountain. All around the globe there are plenty of ways to get to the top of gorgeous peaks. For a few ways to get started, consider Monte Verita (or, “Mountain of Truth”) in Ascona, Switzerland. Here, you can climb and experience the alternative lifestyle of an artists’ colony from many decades ago. After you\u2019ve explored, get some rest at the nearby Hotel Eden Roc<\/a>. If you find yourself in the Caribbean, consider climbing Mount Liamuiga, a 3,792-foot volcano that’s the highest point of the whole island.<\/p>\n Considering more than 71% of the Earth\u2019s surface is water, a sailboat cruise is one of those travel goals you might want to check off more than once. While you\u2019re in Spain, stay at Hotel Arts Barcelona<\/a>, a modern, 5-star hotel on Barceloneta Beach, right near the Olympic Port. Here, they\u2019ll help you arrange a trip to see city views, all while dining on lunch from Arts Catering, which includes fresh lobster, strawberry gazpacho and an avocado salad. If stateside, book the The Moorings Village<\/a> in Islamorada, Florida, which offers plenty of privacy with green gardens, hammocks and more. The hotel offers a private sunset boat ride with champagne.<\/p>\n ALSO:<\/strong> Earn Orbucks on all these trips and more when you join Orbitz Rewards!<\/a><\/p>\n Depending on your budget, flying First Class on an airplane might not be an option (unless you use some massive points, eh?). But what you could probably afford is a private helicopter ride from Nice, France to Monaco. As one of those destinations you never imagined you\u2019d actually visit, a few nights’ is worth the price. Stay at the Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo<\/a>, where you can imagine you\u2019re meeting Princess Grace of Monaco for a wine date. And for a splurge that still doesn\u2019t match the price of a First Class seat, visit the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix racetrack, where you can get behind the wheel of an F1 race car and drive to meet your friend Bond. James Bond.<\/p>\n Of all the lands you have to drive, California’s Pacific Coast Highway might be the most iconic. Not only will you see the beauty of the Pacific along California\u2019s most famous route, but its laid-back vibe encourages you to make frequent stops along the way. Start in San Francisco and make your way south, where you can finish off the multi-day journey at Montage Laguna Beach<\/a> in Orange County and head straight to the Mosaic Pool to relax after all that driving.<\/p>\n For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, stay at Angama Mara<\/a> in Kenya, an all-inclusive resort built on the site where many Out of Africa<\/i> scenes were filmed. It\u2019s located on the edge of the most desired areas of the continent, the Oloololo Escarpment. Here, you\u2019ll feel like you\u2019re floating above the bush, with giraffes, lions and other animals within sight. Best of all, unlimited safaris are included. Just don\u2019t forget to hold your breath, since you can also take a daily sunrise hot air balloon over the landscape, helping you conquer a fear, see a safari and reach new heights, all at once!<\/p>\n Ready to hang 10? Many destinations near and far offer the opportunity to catch a wave. If you\u2019re touring Southeast Asia, stop by Phuket, Thailand where Akyra Beach Club<\/a> hosts a local surfing contest each month. Here, you can test your skills and learn new tricks while a local DJ plays. After the hard work, sip on local beers and cocktails and watch the sunset with a beach BBQ buffet. In California, stay at the Laguna Beach House<\/a> where you can learn to surf with local surfboard shaper, Donald Brink. He’ll answer questions and give you the motivation you need to float through the ocean.<\/p>\n For a new twist on a volunteer vacation that supports local communities, Soneva, a luxury brand, challenges guests to Stay for Good to support preserving the environment and strengthening the economy in The Maldives<\/a> and Thailand<\/a>. Here, you can work alongside horticulturalists, tropical ecologists, biologists, mycologist and community managers. Expect everything from snorkeling with marine biologists; assisting in coral rehabilitation and turtle identification; cleaning up beaches, mangroves or reefs; maintaining vegetable gardens and more. In exchange, you\u2019ll be given five additional nights in the Maldives or three nights in Thailand.<\/p>\n If you consider yourself a foodie, one of the best parts of travel is feasting on various cuisines. But even better than eating is taking those skills back home. Regardless if your travels take you to Europe, the Caribbean or Asia, there\u2019s a class for every palette. Stay at Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica<\/a> in Salinas Bay, where you\u2019ll learn how to make a traditional and popular dish called gallo pinto<\/em>. In Italy, stay at the Renaissance Tuscany II Cioccio Resort & Spa<\/a>, overlooking the Serchio Valley. Here you can work alongside one of the resort’s chefs to prepare a meal, starting with shopping at a local market all the way to sitting down to enjoy it\u2014buon appetito<\/span><\/em>! In Thailand, stay at Aleenta Phuket Resort & Spa<\/a>, where you can add on an authentic Thai Cooking Class, complete with a trip to the market. Then, you\u2019ll make green chicken curry, Thai fish cake and stir-fried beef curry.<\/p>\n While overnight train journeys were the<\/em> way to travel for years, they’re still a romantic way to experience the sights, without ever stepping foot on the ground. Book a trek up North, aboard Via Rail Canada<\/a> on The Skeena, where you\u2019ll see views of Jasper National Park, the Canadian Rockies and stops along some of Northern British Columbia\u2019s small communities. Book a stay at The Fairmont<\/a> in Vancouver and spend a few days exploring the city there before your departure.<\/p>\n Connect with animals small and large while traveling when you make an effort to meet them face-to-face. At Hotel Terra Jackson Hole<\/a> in Wyoming, naturalist Kurt Johnson leads safaris. With the Dawn & Dusk Wildlife tour, you\u2019ll observe bears, elk, mule deer, fox, wolves, antelope and more, or for a full-day exploration, book the Best of Yellowstone safari, where you will love a sleigh ride through a National Elk Refuge. For elephant lovers, book a stay at Akyra Manor Hotel<\/a> in Chiang Mai, Thailand where staffers can help you plan a visit to the world\u2019s first Elephant Hospital. Here, you\u2019ll get to meet Mosha, an elephant who stepped on a landmine and became the first to receive a prosthetic leg. You\u2019ll also meet more of Mosha\u2019s friends, and enjoy a Northern Thai lunch by the river.<\/p>\n Make sure to get certified before you board the plane (or at least do the online portion!), and then head to South Turks and Caicos, where you can swim among the third largest coral reef in the world. You\u2019ll see pink flamingos, migrating humpback whales, stingrays, dolphins and much more. At Sailrock Resort<\/a>, add on the scuba excursion package to let them do the planning for you.<\/p>\n Instead of heading to Bali or India for a spiritual awakening, make your way to South America. At Casa Palopo<\/a> on the shore of Lake Atitlan, this private home turned luxury hotel offers yoga lessons, wellness hikes up to the San Pedro volcano and blessings from a Mayan Shaman to free your energy from negativity. They will also arrange boat tours to nearby indigenous villages, giving you a chance to connect to roots.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/solo-trip.jpg\")
<\/p>\n2. Take a solo trip<\/b><\/h2>\n
3. Take a spontaneous trip<\/b><\/h2>\n
4. Learn a foreign language <\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/pay-for-your-parents-trip.jpg\")
<\/p>\n5. Take your parents on a trip you pay for<\/b><\/h2>\n
6. Let your kids pick the destination<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/do-something-that-scares-you.jpg\")
7. Do something that scares you<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/safari.jpg\")
<\/p>\n8. Take a safari<\/b><\/h2>\n
9. Climb an epic mountain<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/sailboat.jpg\")
<\/p>\n10. Go on a sailboat cruise<\/b><\/h2>\n
12. Fly First Class<\/strong><\/h2>\n
13. Take the long way<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/hot-air-balloon.jpg\")
<\/p>\n14.\u00a0 Fly in a hot air balloon<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/surfer.jpg\")
<\/p>\n15. Learn to surf<\/b><\/h2>\n
16. Plan a volunteer vacation<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/cooking-class.jpg\")
<\/p>\n17. Learn to cook a cuisine in a different country<\/b><\/h2>\n
18. Take an overnight train journey<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/hang-with-animals.jpg\")
<\/p>\n19. Have an animal encounter<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/scuba-diving.jpg\")
<\/p>\n20. Scuba dive<\/b><\/h2>\n
21. Take a spiritual getaway<\/b><\/h2>\n
22. Take an unplugged getaway<\/b><\/h2>\n
![\"Orbitz,](\"https:\/\/www.orbitz.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/09\/OrbitzApp.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"