Discover Islamic Art and Ancient Ruins in Tunisia

On this trip, explore the cultural and archaeological history of Tunisia, a small North African country bordering the Mediterranean. Journey through Carthaginian ruins, learn about Islamic influence on the country’s art and architecture, and visit the Mediterranean Sea on this eight-day trip. Tunisia was once an ancient center of trade and also offers some of Africa’s best preserved Roman ruins. Begin your journey in Tunis before visiting the ancient cities of Utique, Carthage and the northernmost city in Africa, Bizerte. Off Season Adventures prioritizes customizability, so travelers also have the option to create a personal itinerary that better aligns with their interests. 

This eight-day tour is $2,365 per person and includes accommodation, transportation, all cultural activities and meals. This trip can be booked for any date throughout the year. 

Explore Ireland

Ireland, the Land of Saints and Scholars, is home to more than 30,000 castles, stunning landscapes, and more than 7000 pubs. Dublin alone has 772. The capital is a UNESCO city of literature, home to many acclaimed literary pioneers including Oscar Wilde, Bram Stoker, James Joyce, W.B. Yeats, Samuel Beckett, and Sally Rooney. Cork, the Rebel County, is home to landmarks such as the Blarney Castle and many river channels. Travelers will begin their journey in Dublin where they will explore Trinity College, view the Book of Kells, see the medieval quarter, and visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Travelers will then visit Cork, and have a chance to see Spike Island. The group can experience traditional Irish sports including Gaelic football, hurling, and handball. They will get to see the Blarney Castle on the way to Killarney, the site of a famous national park. There are sights to be seen on the Ring of Kerry, such as rugged cliffs, shining beaches, mountain ranges, and bogs. In Limerick travelers can learn about Bunratty Castle and its history. Then, the group will visit Inis Oirr, the smallest of the 3 Aran Islands, and see the underground church of Saint Caomhán. 

This is a G Adventures’ National Geographic Family Journey catering to families who want to travel together. All G Adventures trips are led by a local guide, a CEO, Chief Experience Officer, and trip revenue is driven to help the local community. This is a 9 day trip and costs $3,824.

Adventure Through Costa Rica

Costa Rica, a country in Central America with coastlines on the Caribbean and the Pacific, is renowned for its lush rainforests and rugged volcanoes. During this experience, travelers will hop from one hostel to another in search of greater and more thrilling adventures. After a relaxing first day in San José, the capital of Costa Rica, the group will travel to La Fortuna, a small town putatively considered the gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park. Along the way, travelers will stop by the Poás Volcano, an active stratovolcano in central Costa Rica, and visit a community coffee project to learn about coffee production. Once the group arrives at La Fortuna, the real adventure will begin. From rappelling down waterfalls to whitewater rafting and paddleboarding on Lake Arenal, there is no shortage of adrenaline-inducing activities for travelers to experience. From La Fortuna, the group will then head to the cloud forest of Monteverde, where they will fly across the canopy on ziplines. Other activities on offer include visiting the butterfly garden, horseback riding and checking out the hanging bridges in the canopy to look for birds and other wildlife. 

This 6-day experience starts at $391 per person and includes accommodation, 5 breakfasts and 1 lunch and transportation. This trip is part of G Adventures’ and Hostelworld’s Roamies collection: a series of immersive small-group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travelers.

Explore Iraq, the Cradle of Civilization

Iraq, one of the easternmost countries of the Arab world, is often referred to as the “Cradle of Civilization”. Home to the ancient Mesopotamian peoples who are believed to have developed the first systems of writing, agriculture and justice, and ruled by both the Sumerian and the Babylonian civilizations, Iraq harbors a wealth of history and culture. On this experience, travelers will delve into the heartland of Iraq, traveling back through history to the centers of some of humanity’s first civilizations and exploring the streets of modern Iraq. After an initial day spent in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, travelers will take a day trip to visit the archaeological remains of Samarra, a UNESCO world heritage site and the only Islamic capital that retains its original plan, architecture and arts. From there, travelers will return to Baghdad to visit the Iraq Museum and various other sites before heading to Karbala, a city located in central Iraq, the next day. En route, the group will stop by the ruins of Babylon and admire all that the ancient city once had to offer. Other highlights on this trip include witnessing some of the holiest places in Shia Islam such as the Shrine of Ali in Najaf, visiting the remains of the ancient cities of Uruk and Ur and experiencing life in the lush marshlands of Nasiriyah. 

This 9-day experience starts at $3,600 per person and includes accommodation, transportation and all breakfasts.

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UNTAMED BORDERS

Explore Socotra, the Jewel of Arabia

Dubbed the “Jewel of Arabia” and the “Galapagos of the Middle East,” the Yemeni island of Socotra is renowned for its rich and luscious biodiversity and beautiful marine landscapes. Among these are the famous Delisha beach, a stunning panorama of soft white sands and clear blue waters, and its neighboring Detwah Lagoon, the only site on the island where the vulnerable leopard whipray and bluespotted ribbontail ray have been recorded. Bordered by sand dunes and limestone cliffs, the lagoon presents a dreamy vista beneath the rosy brushstrokes of the setting sun. From the lagoon, travelers will also be able to take a trip to Shuaab, with promises of spinner dolphin-sightings along the way. Beyond its breathtaking seascapes, Socotra also boasts lush canyons and plateaus, among which is the famous Diksam Plateau, home to the ethereal Dragon’s Blood trees. At the plateau, travelers will get the chance to enjoy tea at the homes of the nomadic Bedouin herdsmen. The action-packed itinerary also offers snorkeling in the turquoise waters of Dihamri Bay and an opportunity to climb the colossal sand dunes of Hayf and Zahek. A final trek through the Hoq Cave, filled with breathtaking stalagmites, stalactites and an otherworldly rim pool concludes the 8-day adventure.

This small, 8-person trip starts at $2,950 per person and includes accommodation, all meals, transportation and protected area fees.

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See the Horn of Africa

Ethiopia, the largest and most populated country in the Horn of Africa, possesses one of the most rugged terrains in the continent. This road trip offers travelers the chance to explore the wilder parts of Ethiopia and parts of Somaliland, and some may opt to spend an extra 48 hours in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia, at the end of the journey. The trip begins with an optional walking tour of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, before setting out on the road the next day to Erta Ale, the most active volcano in the country. After a three to four-hour trek to the volcano’s rim, the group will camp there overnight before driving to Lake Afdera, a hypersaline lake located in the Danakil Depression. A full day will then be spent at the Awash National Park, which is renowned for its volcanic formations, mineral hot springs and abundance of wildlife. Following Awash, travelers will journey to the walled city of Harar, which is considered by many to be the fourth-holiest city in Islam. Famed for its ancient mosques and shrines, the city is also home to a unique blend of African and Islamic traditions. To conclude the trip, travelers will cross the border to Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, visiting the Hargeis Camel Market and admiring the rich and vivid cave paintings at Laas Geel.

This 10-day experience starts at $3,950 per person and includes accommodation, ground transportation, three internal flights, and breakfast. 

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UNTAMED BORDERS

Odyssey through the Islands of Greece

Greece, widely regarded as the cradle of Western civilization, is famous for its stunning beaches and panorama of white and blue houses beneath the brilliant Mediterranean sun. Over the course of 12 days, travelers will explore Athens, the birthplace of democracy and Greece’s capital city, as well as three of the Cyclades Islands – Syros, Naxos, and Amorgos. After a historical tour of the magnificent Acropolis, travelers will meander through some of Athens’ oldest neighborhoods before boarding the ferry and heading south to Syros, a small island renowned for its seafood and neoclassical architecture. After a few days in Syros, travelers will then head to Naxos, exploring its medieval “old town” on foot and going on an excursion to the mountainous village of Apeiranthos. Then, travelers will board the ferry to Amorgos, the easternmost island of the Cyclades island group, where they will experience a working permaculture farm and visit the Hozoviotissa, an 11th century monastery that sits on the side of a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. To conclude the journey, travelers will spend an afternoon on a private cruise around the island before heading back to Athens the next morning.

This 12-day experience starts at $4,875 per person and includes accommodation, 10 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 5 dinners, and airport transfers. 

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PURPOSEFUL NOMAD

Experteer Around the World

Are you interested in helping global communities and travel, but want more than a two-week volunteer trip that may or may not help the community you visit? Check out this organization that offers “experteering” experiences. You will be selected for your existing professional skill-sets and placed in a role where they can be maximized with an international social enterprise.

MOVINGWORLDS

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Explore the Land of Fire and Ice in Iceland

Looking to experience the wonders of a small island nation in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean?  Come see what Iceland has to offer! Stand in awe of the Northern Lights, explore the charming capital of Reykjavik, sail to the renown Vestmannaeyjar Islands, and see the Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which erupted in 2010 halting air traffic across Europe.  If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, it will be fun recognizing the picturesque spots along Iceland’s coast where the series was filmed. You’ll also experience the stunning natural beauty of Thingvellir National Park, which contains hot springs, volcanic craters, and gorgeous waterfalls that create rainbows right in front of your eyes.  While in Iceland, you’ll stay at a boutique farm resort and enjoy breakfasts and dinners with the group.  After visiting Iceland’s many natural treasures, from glaciers to geothermal spas, you’ll come away fully impressed by the diversity of this unique country.  

UNDER30EXPERIENCES

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Travel to Costa Rica For A Taste of Sustainable Living

Under30Experiences brings together thirty people all looking to learn about themselves and the world for a shared experience that builds lifelong friendships. This Costa Rica trip is actually a 2-in-1 affordable, diverse, and epic experience. You'll not only enjoy the best beach in the country but get immersed in the rainforest and stay at a famous eco-lodge where your food is grown right on site.

Plus, choose plenty of other adventures: hiking, surfing, zip-lining, rafting—see the best Costa Rica has to offer.

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Under 30 Experiences

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Escape into Nature in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan remains one of the most untouched areas of Central Asia since the country’s declared independence from Russian rule in 1991. Along the southern rim there are traditional, grassroots communities and raw landscapes to explore. A visit to Kel Suu, one of the highest elevated lakes in the world and a trek down the ancient Silk Road caravanserai of Tash Rabat,  a centuries old monastery along a traditional trade route, are a couple of the highlights of a trip through Kyrgyzstan. Visitors can experience the Kyrgyz way of life through the hospitality of locals. They will spend the night in traditional yurts and set out for the day on horseback. 

Those who embark on this thirteen day adventure will find opportunities to see unique facets of nature like the bright red sandstone of Konorchek Canyon and the vast expanse of the Naryn River, or wolves and ibex in their natural habitat. Many of the treks on the itinerary for this trip are challenging and are geared towards travelers interested in a more rigorous itinerary.  This trip starts at $2,750 and lasts 13 days. 

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UNTAMED BORDERS 

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Explore Community, Culture and World-Renowned Coffee in Colombia

On a nine-day journey from Bogota to Cartagena, travelers will see and experience the lively traditions of Colombia. Walk through the revived city streets of Medellin, full of brightly colored houses. Physical improvements and updates to public transportation and community services infrastructure have brought the city back to life. Bogota offers architectural variety from skyscrapers to colonial churches. With the help of professional dancers to teach you the steps, discover why salsa dancing has become an integral part of Latin American social life. In the coffee capital of Armenia, see how one of the nation’s top exports is farmed and spend the night in a traditional hacienda, a Colombian plantation’s estate.

Travel time on this trip will be led by experienced local guides, but will also provide free time to check out the nightlife, art stores and locally crafted beers along the way. 

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Develop Journalism Skills in the Dominican Republic

Aldeas De Paz works with the local community in the Samana province of the Dominican Republic to tackle some of the populations biggest social issues, including gender equality and women’s empowerment, at-risk youth education, domestic violence and sex education. The projects are community-sponsored and require reliable, publicized documentation. Like many volunteer organizations, Aldeas De Paz relies heavily on donations and volunteer work to sustain certain operations, such as social media and other publications. 

For this volunteer trip, participants will travel to the Samana province to document the grassroots projects completed by the organization. Volunteers work closely with the team’s social media manager and local media outlets to create videos, television and radio broadcasts, documentaries and social media content. Being present on the island, volunteer groups will also assist in the day-to-day operations of the organization’s projects and spread awareness about the island community and the challenges they face. 

Travelers will receive free Spanish lessons regularly over the course of their program as well as school credit, if applicable. This trip can last from two to 13 weeks, with the price for two weeks starting at $1,236. 

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ALDEAS DE PAZ

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Eat Your Way Through Peru

There are many factors contributing to Peru’s unique and widely admired culinary culture. The country's land is subject to extreme biodiversity, allowing for access to a large selection of ingredients. This selection, coupled with Peru’s ethnic diversity and long, rich history, have created a food scene like no other. Peru’s capital city, Lima, is home to four of the world’s top 50 restaurants. Three of them have made the list multiple years in a row. 

Travel to Lima, Nazca and Ica to explore the cultural and historical sites of Peru while enjoying authentic food along the way. On the trip, you will pass through small towns and metropolitan cities, visiting ancient burial grounds and pre-Incan historical sites like the mysterious Nazca lines. The lines are massive geoglyphs of animals, plants and other figures, etched into the sand around 500 BC. End your days with dinner at some of Peru’s most well-known wineries, enjoying the world-renowned food and wine. The tour will last six days and costs $2,495 USD per person. 

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Wander from Tokyo to Kyoto Through the Backroads of Japan

The famed appeal of metropolis Tokyo and cultural sightseeing of Kyoto can distract visitors from other destinations. This is not to say that Kyoto and Tokyo should be skipped by any means, and this trip will take you through both, but it provides the chance to make many stops in overlooked destinations, providing travelers with a well-rounded experience. In Matsumo, visitors learn about ancient samurai culture and tour an ancient palace. Natural hot springs are available for relaxation, and homestays in small, grassroots communities allow travelers to fully immerse themselves in the quaint side of Japanese culture. Travelers will traverse through the Japanese Alps and bike through the city of Hagi, getting a comprehensive tour of all that Japan has to offer. 

The journey from Tokyo to Kyoto will take 11 days, with all the stops listed above and many more. Travelers will pay $3,199 USD per person and the group will be accompanied by experienced guides known as Chief Experience Officers, and will spend their nights in comfortable, authentic accommodations. 

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Explore the History that Built Modern Ethiopia

Ethiopia is one of the few countries in Africa that was not colonized, which has given it the opportunity to develop a very pure and unique history. It is also one of the world’s oldest countries and has had over 2,000 years to build that culture. As a result, Ethiopia has both vibrant city life and natural scenery for visitors to enjoy. The capital city of Addis Ababa offers a vibrant lifestyle, a museum of natural history, and scenic hikes. Gondar is filled with grand historic castles. There are massive rock churches to explore in Lalibela, and the ancient ruins of the kingdom of Axum. Both are UNESCO world heritage sites. 

This country’s powerful and independent history can be discovered on a nine-day, eight-night tour of Ethiopia from Off-Season Adventures. On this trip, travelers will be escorted by experienced drivers and provided with plenty of time to explore. The trip will cost travelers $3,687 per person and will include entry into all historical sites in the itinerary. 

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OFF SEASON ADVENTURES  

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Sail in Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Explore the wonders off of the southern shore of India, beginning in the scenic Sri Lankan city of Negombo and ending on the sandbars of Malé in the Maldives. The two Indian ocean countries are just over 600 miles apart, and Sri Lanka has significantly impacted  the Maldives’ culture. Travelers can move between the islands in a traditional dhoni boat, a multi-purpose sailing ship used in Sri Lankan and Maldivian cultures for decades.   

These islands provide plenty of opportunities for relaxing on the beach and enjoying scenic views. Still,  they also offer a great deal of unique cultural experiences. Travelers can visit spice plantations in Kandy and visit the AMBA Estate, an organic farm, guest house and social enterprise in the Uva Highlands of Sri Lanka. Adventurous spirits can also embark on a wildlife safari in Udawalawe National Park. Then, snorkel to shipwrecks and coral reefs in the Maldives and enjoy authentic local seafood. All of these adventures and more are included in this 14-day trip which will cost travelers $2,559 per person. 

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Experience Cuba’s Unique Charm

This trip, specifically for women to travel together in small groups, focuses on exploring Cuba’s old and rich culture. The Caribbean nation just off the shore of Florida has many different experiences to offer. Travelers can tour the historic architecture in Old Havana, strolling down its winding roads and snorkel in off the coast of Playa Larga, one of the beaches invaded in the ‘Bay of Pigs’. The cities and towns of Cuba are full of color, music, art, and dance. Private salsa lessons and a Cuban ballet are some of the opportunities that participants on this trip will have to immerse themselves in Cuban culture. They will also be exposed to a great deal of art. One night they will have dinner in the Fabrica del Arte, a museum and restaurant known for featuring local artists, all before heading out to explore Old Havana’s nightlife. Finally, this trip will close in the city of Trinidad, a city with great historical importance. After being the center of the sugar trade in the 18th and 19th centuries, it is now one of the best-preserved cities in the Caribbean and a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Nine days on this trip from Purposeful Nomad will cost interested travelers $2,425 per person and include all the excursions listed above. 

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PURPOSEFUL NOMAD

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Trek Through Unexplored Areas of Nepal

The Lower Mustang is a remote area of the Himalayas that has just recently become accessible to travelers. The Rain Shadow Trekking Tour allows travelers to hike through this region and experience wildlife and landscape views unique to this area. Daily treks, typically ranging between 5 to 8 hours, will include spotting rare snow leopards, viewing some of the tallest mountains in the world and walking through beautiful remote villages. One day of the trip, hikers will witness the Himalayan Rain Shadow, an effect created by the mountain range that keeps monsoon rains from reaching northern areas such as Tibet. Those who embark on this high-activity 13-day travel experience will also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in traditional Tibetan culture, cuisine and religious practices during homestays. 

This 13-day package costs $2225 per person. This price includes highly experienced tour guides for drives and hikes, accommodations, meals, domestic flights included in the itinerary and all cultural activities and excursions. 

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OFF SEASON ADVENTURES

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Experience Mongolia with Like-Minded Women

For travelers who are looking to explore a new area to experience authentic culture and connect to the land, Mongolia can provide an ideal location for many reasons. The majorly non-industrialized nation relies primarily on agriculture and livestock. It gives visitors the ability to escape modern life and cohabitate with nomads who still live off the land to this day. Additionally, those who make the voyage will have the chance to tune into themselves and  nature. 

Groups will travel to ancient monasteries from the 1500s, enjoy natural hot springs, visit Mongolian wonders like the flaming cliffs and Gobi Desert National Park and ride horseback to the Ulaantsutgalan waterfall. The groups will lodge alongside native Mongolians and can join in nomadic daily life, assisting in chores and sleeping in gers, a portable, circular dwelling common to the area. 

Purposeful Nomad created this trip exclusively for women. The trip is 14 days and 13 nights and women have the opportunity to travel in small groups to deeply delve into the indigenous and traditional Mongolian culture while connecting with the locals,  the environment and each other. The $3595 fee per person includes meals, accommodations, transportation once in Mongolia, guided tours and all excursions listed on the trip itinerary, including the ones mentioned above. 

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 PURPOSEFUL NOMAD

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