Travel is no longer just about ticking landmarks off a checklist—it’s about collecting stories that feel truly your own. Unique travel experiences push you beyond the familiar, inviting adventure, discovery, and personal growth.
Whether it’s trekking through remote landscapes, diving into unknown waters, or navigating cities far from the tourist trail, these experiences spark adrenaline and curiosity alike. They create vivid memories, build confidence, and deepen your connection to the places you explore. Stepping outside your comfort zone transforms travel into something more powerful than sightseeing—it becomes a journey of challenge, excitement, and self-discovery that stays with you long after you return home.
I’ve loved adventure since I was a young girl – I took my first solo trip at 19 and have never stopped. After traveling all over the world seeking out amazing destinations and outrageous escapades, here are my most unique travel experiences, listed by continent, because it would be impossible to rank them!
Tip: I’ve included links to the adventures where I could, should you want to book them yourself.
NORTH AMERICA
Snorkeling with Whale Sharks
Isla Mujures, Mexico
Equal parts thrill and terror, few things can compare to being next to these wild, 40-foot-long sea creatures. Even though they are passive and eat plankton, seeing that 5-foot-long open mouth coming right at you is frightening. Snorkeling with whale sharks was one of my very favorite and most unique travel experiences!
Read: Whale Sharks: Mexico’s Most Exciting Snorkeling Adventure!
Read: 28 Amazing Wild Animal Encounters That Blew Me Away (+Selfies!)
Sky Diving
Oahu, Hawaii
Our small plane ascended to nearly 15,000 feet – the highest from which you can jump without oxygen. With my arms crossed over my chest and my head back toward Marcello’s shoulder, we crouched in the open doorway over the drop zone for two seconds before he leaned forward, and we were gone.
There we were, floating in beautiful form for the one-minute free-fall part of the jump. I just stretched out, back arched, and enjoyed the ride while Marcello handled all the technical aspects of the jump. The 120-mph wind in my face was pretty extreme, but the goggles protected my eyes so I wouldn’t miss a second of the panoramic 360˚ view. I have to admit, it was pretty hard to breathe with my wide mouth open in a perpetual grin, but I couldn’t stop. Pure, unadulterated adrenaline. The sensation is total freedom.
Read: Girls Get High: Skydive Hawaii
Swim in a Cenote
Yucatan, Mexico
A cenote is a natural sinkhole created when the ceiling of limestone bedrock collapses, partially exposing a cave opening into an underground river or waterhole.
There are at least 6,000 cenotes or sinkholes scattered throughout the Yucatan Peninsula, thought to have been formed by the meteor that killed the dinosaurs. These freshwater underworlds were considered sacred by the ancient Mayans and played an important role as the bridge between the earth and the underworld.
Read: Cenotes in the Yucatan You Have to See to Believe!
Cruise with a Whale Pod
Inside Passage, Alaska
Photo ©Sam Nair
For me, the most memorable moment on my Alaska cruise was chancing upon a large group of Humpback whales in the middle of Frederick Sound. All of a sudden, we were surrounded by dozens of whales, everywhere you looked! Some were fairly close to the boat, and others were off on the horizon. We observed them breaching I (flipping over the water), spy watch (head out of the water, and they seem to be looking at you), and lunge diving (going head down with their tales the last to go down, lingering in full view). They seemed so playful, almost as if they were putting on a show for us!
Read: 15 Reasons to Take a Small Ship Alaska Cruise. The Last Is Life Changing.
Film a TV Pilot
Antigua, Caribbean
I was one of three travel bloggers chosen to travel to the Caribbean Island to star in the premier pilot for a TV show called “Destination Takeover.” It was a blast, although I have to admit, the actual filming was a bit harder than I’d anticipated.
Antigua, part of the twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda is famed for its 365 beaches—one for every day of the year. Its turquoise waters and coral reefs support sailing, snorkeling, and diving, while English Harbour and Nelson’s Dockyard reflect a rich naval history. St. John’s, the colorful capital, offers markets, colonial architecture, and lively culture shaped by African, British, and West Indian influences.
Read: What to Do, See, and Eat in Antigua
Temazcal
Oaxaca, Mexico
Handing you a bouquet of aromatic, long-stemmed basil, you are led into what looks like a large brick oven. Inside, tiny chairs surround a blazing fire pit, enough to seat 14 people, shoulder-to-shoulder. The door is sealed, and a loud hissing noise erupts as the shaman pitches mezcal onto the fire, shooting flames across the ceiling. I don’t understand Spanish, but I’m pretty sure he yelled, “You’re going to be cooked!”
After being anointed with various concoctions of honey, chocolate, fruit purée, and rose water, you then endure the ongoing spiritual cleansing ceremony of the mezcal ceiling fire, so hot you are told to “breathe through your mouth because your lungs are not used to such heat.” At long last, you are allowed to rise and exit the clay oven.
Read: 12 Off-The-Beaten-Path Adventures in Oaxaca, Mexico
Kayak Bioluminescent Bay
Puerto Rico
Bioluminescent bays are bodies of water where microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates grow in quantities large enough to produce a “glow-in-the-dark” effect called bioluminescence. When you disturb the water, these organisms glow in a neon blue-green color, making the water look as if it were lit by billions of tiny stars.
Kayaking in Puerto Rico’s Laguna Grande in Fajardo is a surreal night adventure. Guides lead small groups through mangrove channels into the open bay, sharing ecology, history, and conservation tips. The glow intensifies on moonless nights, outlining fish, hands, and paddle trails like liquid stardust.
Note of Caution: It can be a bit dangerous when all the kayakers create a bottleneck, bumping into each other, trying to get back through the mangroves when the excursion is over.
Read: Things You Must See In and Around Old San Juan
Hand Gliding
Outer Banks, USA
Tandem hang gliding is an exhilarating airborne recreational activity using a non-motorized apparatus consisting of an aluminum alloy or composite frame covered with a type of sailcloth to form a triangular wing.
The pilot (instructor) is suspended from a harness from the frame, and the rider (student pilot) is secured into a harness that hovers just above the pilot.
The glider is tied to a small, ultralight airplane, towed into the air, then released.
Read: Hang Gliding Adventure at Kitty Hawks, Outer Banks
Ride a Pink Cadillac
Havana, Cuba
Sliding into the cracked vinyl of a pink Cadillac in Havana felt like borrowing someone else’s memory. The dash was a patchwork of mismatched knobs, a Soviet radio wedged where the original died decades ago. My driver, Roberto, patted the steering wheel like a loyal horse and told me the engine wasn’t Cadillac anymore—Lada parts, tractor fixes, whatever survived the embargo and could be persuaded to fit. “I have to create a new part from scratch, by cobbling together materials I can find,” he said.
We rumbled past crumbling mansions toward the Malecón, the car coughing, then roaring proudly. He said every family has a mechanic, every mechanic an inventor. Nothing is replaced; everything is reborn. Wind poured through the open windows, warm and salty, and I realized the car wasn’t preserved—it was stubbornly, brilliantly alive.
Read: Cuba Travel Guide
Sulphur Mud Bath
St. Lucia, Caribbean
Sulfur Springs on St. Lucia are just inland from the picturesque fishing village of Soufrière (French for sulfur) on the southwestern side of the island. The thermal pools and mud baths are inside the world’s only “drive-in” volcano. The road runs right into the crater of the dormant volcano, where you are immediately surrounded by steam, sulfur, and boiling mud.
Standing ankle-deep in the hot stream, using your hands as natural cups is the best way to excavate the therapeutic sludge, which is then slapped on all exposed skin. The mud, which is still warm at 110 degrees Fahrenheit, is just cool enough to slather on your body. The mineral content of sulfur, iron, calcium oxide, carbon, copper oxide, and magnesium is reputed to have medicinal value, including therapeutic qualities for the skin.
Read: Dirty Tricks: Erase Years in St Lucia Mud Bath
Smoke a Cuban Cigar
Viñales, Cuba
There is one ultimate Cuban experience. Though not technically categorized as either food or drink, it is nonetheless something that goes in your mouth. The pièce de résistance… smoking a Cuban cigar. You’ll find numerous opportunities in Havana, but for a truly authentic experience, head to Vinales, where the tobacco is grown. You can find vendors from farms to sell you just-rolled cigars throughout the lovely, lush farmlands.
Read: Cuba Travel Guide
Grutas de Tolatongo Hot Springs
State of Hildago, Mexico
From the first time that I viewed a photo of the surreal turquoise thermal pools cascading down the side of the mountain, I knew I had to see the exquisite Grutas de Tolatongo Springs in person. At an altitude of 4,200 feet above sea level, the hot springs flow from the volcanic mountains into a turquoise river, cave, and thermal pools enclosed by mountains that are simply breathtaking. In addition, the thermal mineral waters laden with limestone mineral salts are said to have healing properties.
Read: Grutas de Tolantongo: Thermal Pools, Caves & Waterfalls
Swimming with Baby Sea Lions
La Paz, Mexico
I took a boat trip into the Sea of Cortez, well-known for its abundance of marine life. We docked near a small craggy islet populated with lots of wild sea lions. I set out into the quieter waters where the curious pups have been known to swim right up to humans and face them with their huge, soft eyes. Sure enough, within minutes, two playful baby sea lions began to swim in circles around me. One pup softly bumped my side, the sleek coat brushing my hand. So magical!
Read: La Paz Snorkeling: Wild Baby Sea Lion Encounter
Pink Jeep Tour
Sedona, USA
The Pink Jeep Tour in Sedona, Arizona, is a popular off-road adventure that showcases the region’s dramatic red rock landscapes. Guided by knowledgeable drivers, guests travel in custom open-air Jeeps across rugged trails such as Broken Arrow, climbing steep sandstone formations and descending rocky paths inaccessible to regular vehicles. Along the way, guides share insights about local geology, wildlife, and Native American history while pointing out iconic formations. The experience combines thrill and education, offering panoramic views, photo opportunities (like Chicken Point, above), and a close connection to Sedona’s natural beauty.
Read: Sedona AZ: Pink Jeeps Are Not for Prissies
SOUTH AMERICA
Swim in the Amazon
Amazon River, Peru
During my Amazon cruise, we were travelling in the skiff when it abruptly stopped. “Here’s your opportunity to swim in the Amazon,” said our guide.
The water was dark, and the bottom was indeterminable. The water is murky because of the tannic acid in the water, created by trees dropping their leaves and decomposing. The lesser the current, the blacker the water.
But I wasn’t missing my one and only chance to swim in THE Amazon! I unrobed down to my swimsuit, donned a pair of small goggles, and leaped from the boat into the coffee-colored water. As a great swath of water rushed up my nose, I realized I’d forgotten to hold it. I was immediately fearful that I’d get sick, but the PH is high enough and nutrients low enough in blackwater that parasites cannot survive.
Read: Crazy Adventure on the Amazon River
Salsa Immersion
Medellin, Colombia
Somoloco offers travelers a full immersion in salsa and culture in Colombia. Students don’t just learn steps—they live the experience. Daily classes, neighborhood socials, and live music performances allow visitors to feel the heartbeat of the city through dance.
Beyond technical instruction, Somoloco emphasizes community, rhythm, and cultural context, ensuring that participants leave with not only refined skills but also a deep connection to the people and traditions that make Colombia’s salsa world-famous. For many, spending time at Somoloco is transformative, blending exercise, culture, and social interaction into a single, unforgettable journey that lingers long after the final spin.
Read: Somoloco Salsa & Culture Immersion
Cholitas Wrestling
La Paz, Bolivia
Cholitas wrestling in El Alto (high above La Paz) is more than a spectacle—it’s cultural resistance in motion. Emerging in the early 2000s, the sport grew from Bolivia’s lucha libre scene (similar to the one I attended in Mexico City).
The cholitas (Aymara women) wrestlers are a symbol of and cultural identity. What began as a novelty became empowerment. Their fame transcends borders thanks to the strength with which they reclaim their roots, their role in society, and their presence in the world of wrestling.
The cholitas wrestle in traditional voluminous, embroidered pollera skirts, colorful shawls, braids, and bowler hats – making the spectacle truly special and unique, fusing tradition and sport (the acrobatics were incredible!) in an unforgettable performance.
Straddle the Equator
Quito, Ecuador
Standing at Mitad del Mundo in Quito is a reminder of how geography connects us all. This iconic monument marks the equator, where you can literally place one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and the other in the Southern.
The location was identified in the 18th century by the French Geodesic Mission, a scientific expedition sent to measure the shape of the Earth. Using astronomical observations and triangulation, they calculated the equatorial line and placed markers accordingly, based on the best technology of their time. Modern GPS measurements later revealed that the true equator lies slightly north of the monument.
Eat Guinea Pig
Cusco, Peru
The one thing I wanted to eat while in Cusco was cuy, aka guinea pig. The squeaking rodents – or fluffy, adorable pets, depending on your perspective – are a delicacy in Peru. Not just a piece blended into some other dish, mind you, but the whole thing served up on a platter. I passed up numerous offerings until I found what I was looking for. The skin was crispy and delicious. The meat was….different. Gamy.
Read: 10 Life-Changing Things to Do in Cusco. Brace Yourself for #8.
EUROPE
Chernobyl
Pritapat, Ukraine
Broken glass crackled and crunched beneath my feet. Sun streamed through the remains of a once-magnificent stained glass window. Broken dolls and filthy baby shoes littered the floor. A child’s storybook stood open as if waiting for its reader to continue.
Pripyat, once the darling of the Soviet Union, is now in a state of abandoned shambles. In its heyday, the average income in this model town was 40% higher than in the rest of Ukraine. Now called “the Exclusion Zone,” the site of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear catastrophe is open to visitors on a highly restricted basis.
Touring the Chernobyl disaster site went well beyond my expectations. Walking through the ghost town, frozen in a tragic space-time continuum, was eerie, heart-wrenching, and fascinating.
Read: Here’s Why Chernobyl Tours Are a Haunting Dark Tourism Experience
Paragliding
Oludeniz, Turkey
To launch into this Turkey paraglider experience, I had to run OFF the 6,500-foot Babadağ Mountain to take to the sky. I won’t lie, running off a cliff is a bit daunting, but once you’re lifted by the thermal current into the air, it’s sometimes a peaceful, sometimes exhilarating ride through the air. You’re strapped to an instructor the whole time, and they do all the steering; you just need to enjoy the view. It’s a thrilling but safe way to see the Blue Lagoon.
The Blue Lagoon is famous for its ever-varying shades of turquoise and azure, and soft white sands framed by a lush pine forest, and nothing is quite as spectacular as getting a bird’s-eye view.
Read: Fethiye Attractions That Will Blow Your Mind!
Hot Air Balloon
Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia is considered to be the #1 spot in the world for hot air ballooning. At dawn, we lifted gently into a sky blushing pink and gold, the burner’s roar fading to a hush as the balloon drifted over a dreamscape of fairy chimneys, vineyards, and cave dwellings. Villages stirred below while dozens of other balloons floated like lanterns, their reflections sliding across valleys. The air was cool and still, making the height feel serene rather than frightening. Our pilot dipped low enough to skim treetops, then climbed for a panorama of terrain shaped by wind and time. Touching down felt unreal, as if we had borrowed wings from the morning itself.
Read: AMAZING Things to Do in Cappadocia Turkey!
Catamaran Greek Islands
Cyclades, Greece
Photo credit: Julia Adams
The Cyclades are the most well-known of the Greek islands, located southeast of mainland Greece in the Aegean Sea. The islands host some of Greece’s most important archaeological sites and are known for their idyllic beaches, ancient ruins, rugged landscapes, and, of course, the iconic, picture-perfect, whitewashed stucco buildings juxtaposed against the shimmering cerulean sea. Cyclades island hopping with Yacht Getaways is the most exciting way to experience several of the islands in one trip.
Read: Cyclades Island Hopping in Greece
Sleep in a Fairy Chimney
Cappadocia, Turkey
Our fairy chimney hotel
The highlight of Cappadocia is staying in one of its otherworldly cave hotels. These hotels, originally carved out of the soft volcanic rock by early Christians, contain sprawling rooms and are one of the most unique stays you’ll ever experience. The hotels range in size, amenities, and costs. They are decorated to create a cozy environment. We spent 5 nights in Cappadocia in various cave hotels in different towns. We loved them all, but the one in an actual fairy chimney was the ultimate experience.
Read: AMAZING Things to Do in Cappadocia Turkey!
Eat at an “Emotional Restaurant”
Lviv, Ukraine
There is a group of restaurants in Lviv, unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in all of Europe. They’re called “Emotional Restaurants,” and they are not to be missed.
In 2007, three non-conformist entrepreneurs set out to establish a series of unique restaurants that would give their patrons a unique, creative, and emotional experience. They called the company “!FEST,” and offer several “emotional experiences” throughout Lviv, each one utterly different than the others.
They cover everything from eating in an old insurgent army bunker, to a cloak-and-dagger Masonic society, a Galician and Jewish restaurant where you have to sing to get a discount, grilled meat arrives, it will be cut by “the executioner,” wielding sharp, medieval torture tools and weapons, and more.
Read: Emotional Restaurants in Lviv: Extreme Fun and Food
Sleep in a Castle
Loire Valley, France
For the ultimate Loire Valley experience, consider staying at Château de la Bourdaisière. This charming hotel combines historic elegance with modern comfort, surrounded by exquisite gardens and vineyards. Guests can enjoy the château’s famous tomato conservatory, beautiful parkland, and authentic rooms that make you feel like royalty.
Read: 3 Fairytale Châteaux in the Loire Valley You Can’t Miss!
Visit a Country That Doesn’t Exist
Transnistria
Unrecognized by the United Nations or any other sovereign nation, Transnistrians couldn’t care less. In spite of being one of the poorest places in Europe, they love Mother Russia and cling to days gone by when they were aligned with the Soviet Union.
Landlocked between Moldova and Ukraine, this tiny sliver of territory self-declared its independence from Moldova in 1991. The breakaway state has its own government, parliament, and military. It has its own currency, the Transnistrian ruble, which bears images of Russian heroes like Catherine the Great. They have their own postal system. Their flag proudly displays a hammer and a sickle.
Read: Transnistria Tour: Clinging to the Iron Curtain for Dear Life
Get a Hug from an Old Albanian Woman
Gjirokastër, Albania
One thing I noticed was that there were not a lot of blonde women walking around in Albania. “Ukraine?” I was often asked by heavily-accented shop owners, especially in Gjirokaster.
“No, America.” I’d reply, and without fail, I was instantly met by ear-to-ear grins. One elderly woman in a tiny shop in Gjirokastër even spontaneously hugged me, eyes watery, obviously having seen much change in her lifetime.
“Ah! America! The great country!” and then, “You like my Albania?”
“Yes, I love your Albania,” I said.
“You tell!” she said.
Never, not in any of the multitude of countries and islands I’ve traveled to, have I experienced such a warm, enthusiastic welcome. Not many Americans travel here, so each one is treasured – the excitement of the locals is palpable, their hospitality and warmth felt long after you leave their presence.
Read: 10 Things to Do in Albania That Will Blow You Away
AFRICA
Starbeds
Loisaba Camp, Kenya
If you only stay in one camp during your Kenyan safari, make it this one! Called “the biggest bedroom in the world,” Starbeds offers guests a superlative opportunity, a veritable feast for all the senses.
Taking its name from a constellation (the word means “Seven Sisters” in the Samburu tribal language) guests have ample opportunity to become immersed in the starry night sky. Every night, staff will come and roll your heavy, mosquito-net-draped, hand-made four-poster bed onto the open-air deck so you can slumber under the African sky. Because I’m not very heavy, I was allowed to hop on my bed to be part of the “roll out!”
I had some anxiety about bracing against the chilly African night air, only to discover that a hot water bottle had been placed under my heavy down-filled duvet. Sleeping on my side, I curled my legs around it, and it kept me warm and toasty all night long.
If dozing beneath millions of twinkling of stars isn’t enough to blow your mind, how about waking up by the sun coming up, splashing hues of pink, orange, and yellow right over your head and the sweet song of birds in your ears?
It is, in a word, magical.
Read: Loisaba Wilderness Safari, Kenya
Missing a Cruise
Seychelles
Tired and dejected after a delayed flight that caused us to miss our Costa Cruise Indian Ocean embarkation with a forced detour to Mahé, we arrived at our last-minute-booked boutique hotel around midnight. The night air was black as ink and thick with dew. Dragging my luggage up the stairs, I plopped into bed and drifted off to sleep.
Bright morning sunlight seeped into the room, craftily slipping between the ends of the heavy drapes. Realizing the futility of further slumber, I yanked back the fabric, revealing, much to my surprise, French doors leading on to a sunny terrace.
Crystal aquamarine surf gently lapped the shore just a few feet below. To the left, a tall coconut palm stretched out precipitously over the water; to the right, craggy limestone boulders jutted out from just beyond the shore. Aside from those, the beach was deserted.
I had an instant thought: I’m stuck in paradise! This time, I was glad I missed the boat.
Read: Mahe Road Trip, Beaches and Attractions
Savannah Treehouse
Elsa’s Kjope, Kenya
I opened the door to my hut and drew my breath sharply in. My eyes nearly popped out, and I’m pretty sure my mouth hung open. Spread out before me was a treehouse-style thatched hut. It opened out to a veranda that hung out over the savanna with panoramic views of 215,000 acres of authentic African landscape.
In the middle of the expansive room was a four-poster bed with mosquito netting arranged artistically around the spindles. But the highlight came after the sun went down, where I was (eventually!) lulled to sleep by the chuffing of lions far below on the savannah.
Read: Meru National Park: Elsa’s Kopje, Kenya
Ultimate Carnivore Meal
Nairobi, Kenya
I could not visit Nairobi without visiting its most famous restaurant, especially since I am an avid meat-eater. Carnivore specializes in nyama choma (roasted meats). Lamb, ostrich, crocodile, pork, ostrich, beef, camel, chicken, duck, sausage, ribs, and buffalo balls (!) are roasted on traditional Maasai swords over a huge charcoal pit.
Waiters continuously circle through the festive, open-air restaurant, each carrying a different type of roasted meat, enticing patrons to partake of their savory beasts. They are so persuasive that one might think they get a prize for how fast they can empty their swords of the meat!
Read: Top Things to Do in Nairobi
Kiss a Giraffe
Nairobi, Kenya
The Giraffe Center was my favorite place in Nairobi! I mean, doesn’t everyone want a wet, sloppy kiss from a giraffe?
Established in the 1970s and run by the African Fund for Endangered Wildlife, the Giraffe Center is a breeding, research, and conservation center for endangered Rothschild giraffes found only in the grasslands of East Africa. Once down to only 130, there are now over 300 gorgeous Rothschild giraffes safe and breeding well in the wild in Kenyan national parks and conservancies.
Feeding of the giraffes is allowed, but only with special pellets that they give you to comply with their organic diet. As friendly as can be, the giraffes will come right up to you for the treats. If you dare to put a pellet between your lips, one of the long-legged beauties will gently lick and slurp it off with their 18”-long, black sandpaper tongue!
Read: Top Things to Do in Nairobi
ASIA
Conquer a Slot Canyon
Wadi Mujib, Jordan
One of the absolute highlights of my trip to Jordan was a hike through the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail. This thrilling 2 to 4 hour hike takes you through a rushing river in the middle of a gorgeous slot canyon, rock climbing, swimming, several waterfalls, waterslides, and culminates at a beautiful double-waterfall.
Truth be told, my experience in Wadi Mujib was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done. My adrenaline was spiked the entire time (except for the float back down). No words and no amount of photos can accurately capture what it feels like clambering over gigantic boulders (sometimes on all fours), traversing waterfalls amid forceful rapids which could literally sweep you off your feet, or floating down the calm water back down the gorge. It was amazing!
Read: Wadi Mujib, Jordan: Scariest. Hike. Ever.
Extreme Swing
Bali, Indonesia
When I first visited ten years ago, the famous Bali swings did not exist. From my first introduction to the swing about five years ago, I knew I HAD to come back.
Easily the most famous of the stand-alone swings is at Tegalalang Rice Terraces. The UNESCO-listed Ceking Rice Terraces, also known as the Tegalalang Rice Terraces, are where ancient terraced emerald-green rice paddies and their innovative subak irrigation systems stretch as far as the eye can see.
There are several swings to choose from. Naturally, I chose the “extreme swing” along with renting one of their flowy gowns to get the most dramatic photo shoot available! It did not disappoint!
Read: Where to Go in Bali. #8 is a Hoot. #12 is Insane!
Become a Geisha
Kyoto, Japan
Gionis is Kyoto’s famous geisha district, where tourists flock to catch the elusive glimpse of a geisha or maiko, a geisha in training. A geisha is a professional Japanese entertainer who is carefully trained in traditional arts, dance, music, and communication, who acts as a hostess at special events – a 300-year old tradition.
Gion offers a unique experience, although it is not highly publicized – a three-hour geisha makeover in which you are transformed into a maiko. The experience includes the makeup, kimono, embroidered collar, obi, geta, wig, a professional photo, parasol walk to the shrine, and then makeup removal. They also allowed us to take as many photos with our own camera as we liked.
Read: Turning Japanese: How I Became a Geisha of Gion
Float on the Dead Sea
Jordan & Israel
One of the best experiences in Jordan is a visit to the Dead Sea, famous since Biblical times, where Lot’s wife was turned into a pillar of salt for disobeying God. The lake’s surface is 1414 feet below sea level, making it the lowest elevation on Earth.
You can’t swim in the Dead Sea, but you can float with no effort at all! The high salinity concentration makes even the heaviest of humans buoyant. While nothing can live in it, the salty water is reputedly therapeutic, and it feels very oily on your skin.
If you are looking for an Instagram moment, this is arguably the most coveted photo in Jordan – especially if you can find an Arabic newspaper, which was extremely difficult to find in this day of online media.
Note: this was my second float on the Dead Sea – the first was on the Israeli side in 1997.
Read: 10 Spectacular Jordan Places You Must See Once in Your Life!
Climb an Active Volcano
Java, Indonesia
Mount Bromo, part of the Tengger mountain range in East Java, is an active volcano and a Hindu pilgrimage site. With an elevation gain of 8,520 ft, it is not the highest peak of the mountain range, but it is the most active and famous.
After a dusty ascent, the end of the trail lay ahead, marked by hundreds of steep stone steps that led to the crater rim. The rim was very narrow and JAMMED with people. I won’t lie, it was pretty scary being shoulder-to-shoulder with the edges so close. Unfortunately, the sulfur smoke from inside the crater obscured a lot of the visibility.
Read: 10 Best Places to Visit in Java
Sleep in an Overwater Bungalow
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Located on the motu – the small islets ringing the main island, there simply is no other hotel experience that can compare to having your own thatched bungalow hovering over four feet of the warm, snorkel-ready lagoon. Many bungalows have a view across the lagoon to the looming volcanic Mt. Otemanu. Myriad sea life can be viewed from your own private deck, or through a glass floor under the coffee table. The bungalows can be pricey, averaging around $1,000 a night, but definitely worth the once-in-a-lifetime splurge.
Read: 10 Best Things to Do in Bora Bora
Killing Fields
Phnom Penh, Cambodia
This “dark tourism” site is one of the most sobering landmarks in Cambodia and a stark reminder of the horrors of Cambodia’s 20th-century past.
This is where members of the Khmer Rouge, led by Pol Pot, dug giant holes as mass graves. Truckloads of prisoners arrived at the killing fields under the cover of night, lined up in front of the mass graves, and then murdered in cold blood. Their only crimes were their education level and that they were contributing members of society.
You can see bits of clothing, teeth, and bone fragments in the dirt all along the path, particularly after it rains, as well as a memorial containing hundreds of skulls.
Read: 10 Landmarks in Cambodia to See in Your Lifetime!
Motorcycle Tour
Hue, Vietnam
The highlight of my time in Hue was my motorbike tour. What an epic adventure! We zoomed through the city and breezed past villages, local children, various wildlife, and nature. We stopped in parks, and ancient monuments such as the seven-tiered, 17th-century Thien Mu Pagoda, and indulged in delicious ginger tea with locals and chatted while we watched them hand-make traditional conical hats.
Read: The Most Beautiful Places in Vietnam for 1st Time Visitors
Drink Cat Poop Coffee
Bali, Indonesia
Bali coffee: the #1 most expensive coffee in the world is made from the #2 of a jungle cat.
Kopi Luwak, aka Bali jungle cat poop coffee, is produced mainly on the islands in the Indonesian Archipelago. I was the only one in our group willing to take on the challenge.
Intrepidly, I grasped the handle, took a big gulp…. and swallowed. I have to admit, I was surprised that it tasted that good. I’m not one of those fans of overly-strong, burnt-tasting coffee, so the smooth flavor with just a tiny hint of caramel tickled my taste buds.
Read: Bali Coffee: Would You Dare Try Jungle Cat Poop Coffee?
Get Mobbed by Indian Women
Mangalore, India
Near Mangalore, the 1000 Pillars Temple in Moodbidri, Karnataka, is a historic Jain temple built in 1430 CE and dedicated to Lord Bahubali. Famous for its intricately carved wooden pillars, each unique, the temple showcases Chalukya and Vijayanagara architectural styles. Part of a cluster of 18 Jain Basadis in Moodbidri—often called the Jain Kashi of the South—it houses idols of Tirthankaras and reflects centuries of Jain art, culture, and devotion.
As I exited the temple, I was suddenly surrounded by a group of Indian women in lovely, colorful saris. They wanted to take a picture with the blonde woman (me). They did not speak English, but they were sweet and giggling, and it didn’t take me long to understand their request, to which I cheerily submitted.
Read: Here’s How to Visit Tourist Places in West India
Ride a Rickshaw in the Hutong
Beijing, China
The hutongs are the real people’s Beijing, consisting of ancient neighborhoods of the China of days-gone-by. The houses, alleys, and gardens look much the same as they did centuries ago.
The best way to get a feel for the layout of the hutongs is on a rickshaw tour. The hooded carts hold two or three passengers, pulled by someone on a bicycle, or sometimes a small motorbike. It’s quite popular with tourists who want to see the more authentic neighborhoods in the city and avoid the noisy, smelly traffic.
Read: Beijing Itinerary: 12 Highlights You Don’t Want to Miss
AUSTRALIA
Feed a Wild Sea Turtle
Great Barrier Reef, Cairns
During my second dive in the Great Barrier Reef (on my birthday), we noticed a fairly large sea turtle that seemed quite interested in us, hovering in our area. My dive guide grabbed a piece of seaweed. She held it out to me and pointed to the turtle. My eyes went wide, and I started floundering in the water. But I took it. And offered it. The beautiful turtle came over and took it out of my hand!
Full transparency, I let go a split second before he grabbed it because that beak looked big and hard.
It was one of the most memorable experiences in all of my dozen or so dives.
Read: Great Barrier Reef Sea Turtle Encounter
CONCLUSION
Just to be clear, these are not necessarily my favorite or best travel experiences (though most of them may very well be). I’ve visited many magical places that are not necessarily unique, as well as some of my most unique travel experiences that I absolutely hated, so you won’t see them here.
Click below to PIN so you can find my most unique travel experiences again.
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About the Author
Patti Morrow
is a travel influencer and founder of the award-winning international blog Luggage and Lipstick. TripAdvisor called her one of the “20 Baby Boomer Travel Bloggers Having More Fun Than Millennials” and she was named one of the “Top 35 Travel Blogs” in the world.
She is also the star of the upcoming TV series “Destination Takeover” which is scheduled to premiere in the near future.
Patti is the author of the book “Girls Go Solo: Tips for Women Traveling Alone,” and has over 150 bylines in 40 print and online publications, including The Huffington Post, International Living Magazine, Washington Post Sunday Travel, Travel Girl, Travel Play Live Magazine, and Ladies Home Journal. She has traveled extensively through six continents looking for fabulous destinations, exotic beaches, and adventure activities for her Baby Boomer tribe.
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