Five Unique Holiday Ideas to Broaden Your Horizons

Travel presents a wonderful opportunity to discover more about the world and yourself in the process. While many people enjoy trips where rest and relaxation are at the top of the agenda, there are also plenty of travellers who want to experience holidays that take them to new places, present them with new experiences, and help to broaden their view of the world.

If you’re someone who’s looking for adventure and new experiences on your next trip, you might be wondering where to go next. In this article, we share five recommendations for unique holidays that will be sure to expand your horizons.

Wildlife Tour in Borneo

Top of our list of unique travel experiences that will help you to broaden your horizons is a trip that gets you up close and personal with the wildlife in Borneo. The destination hasn’t always been accessible to travellers, which gives it a very exciting ‘undiscovered’ feel, and as one of the largest islands in the world, you have a lot to discover when you plan a trip to this part of Southeast Asia.

One of the things that Borneo is famous for is its biodiversity, with a huge range of different species inhabiting its mountains and rainforests. Most notable of these are orangutangs, but you’ll also get the chance to spot monkeys, elephants and even leopards if you venture out into the wild on the island.

A multi-day Borneo wildlife tour is the best way to not only increase your chances of seeing the best wildlife in Borneo but also allow you to learn about the creatures and their history on the island. Unfortunately, Borneo has been impacted by poaching and deforestation, and supporting organisations that lead these kinds of trips also means that you can help to fund conservation efforts and get involved in the work that they do.

Road Trip the Scottish Highlands

Road trips are a classic way to spend a holiday where the main focus of the itinerary is exploration. You’re in control of what you do each day with only a route to guide you, and have the freedom to plan excursions or adapt your plans whenever the mood takes you.

A unique idea for a road trip is to visit the Scottish Highlands and hop on the North Coast 500; a route spanning over 500 miles that is known for being one of the most beautiful world trips in the world. Edging the coastline of the very north of Scotland, it’s a wild and rugged setting and has a unique adventure that will open your eyes to some of the most incredible scenery in all of Scotland.

Driving the whole of the North Coast 500 is definitely recommended, but if you have less time then you can still sample a section of the route. Activities along the way involve climbing mountains, beach trips, wild camping, cycling excursions, whiskey tasting and so much more, so you’ll never be short of things to do when you park your car and set out to explore.

Cruise to Antarctica

Wanting to spend your time out on the open sea, but don’t fancy a typical all-inclusive cruise? A fantastically unique option that is certain to broaden your horizons is to book a trip to Antarctica and cruise around the southernmost continent of the world.

Cruising to Antarctica is a truly unforgettable travel experience that offers the rare opportunity to see one of the least-visited parts of the planet and appreciate the incredible frozen landscapes that are increasingly being put at risk by climate change. It’s a holiday that is perfectly suited for the adventurous traveller, where you’ll spend your days either on board your ship or out exploring the snowy scenery.

You don’t need to worry about living like the famous explorers of previous centuries however; luxury Antarctica tours are available that ensure you enjoy plenty of comfort and indulgence as you cruise around the continent. 

Wine Tasting in Slovenia

Classic European wine-tasting destinations include France and Italy, but if you’re looking for something much more unique then why not take a trip to Slovenia? Though the country might be small, it’s known for its variety of different landscapes which means that it’s the perfect location for cultivating vineyards.

Slovenian wine comes from three main regions; Primorska, Posavje and Podravje, which mainly produce white wine. Here you’ll discover rural towns and villages nestled between endless rolling hills dotted with grape vines, offering a chance to immerse yourselves in wine-tasting experiences that feel refreshingly authentic and close to nature.

Visiting Slovenia is a nature lover’s dream even if you don’t make wine tasting a priority, with mountains, forests, lakes and beaches all waiting to be explored. But a wine tasting tour is a brilliant and unique experience to get closer to the country’s culture and landscapes whilst also discovering delicious and yet relatively unknown varieties of wine that are only just beginning to receive the recognition that they definitely deserve.

Secluded Beach Break in Roatan

If you feel like you’ve ‘been there, done that’ in terms of beach break destinations, we have a suggestion that is ideal for anyone looking for a more unique experience. The Bay Islands off the coast of Honduras are a spot that never feels overcrowded or over-touristy, and the island of Roatán is the best of these to enjoy a beach holiday.

Some of the best resorts in Honduras can be found in Roatán, which offers a brilliant taste of Garifuna culture as well as a mix of both Spanish and British colonial influences. Enjoy pristine white sand beaches, brilliant local cuisine and an authentic atmosphere that is a welcome antidote for travellers who have had enough of commercial beach resorts.

Snorkelling is a highlight for visitors to Roatán, with some fantastic opportunities just off the coast of the island that are considered to be some of the best in the whole Caribbean. West Bay Reef is home to corals as well as all kinds of marine life, and can be explored either under your own steam or as part of a guided boat trip.

There are so many different travel experiences available all around the world - why would you want to settle for something that has been done many times before? This list presents the perfect starting point to inspire you to broaden your horizons and try holidays that offer something unique and unforgettable.