The alternative travel bucket list
You’ve swum with dolphins and hiked the Great Wall of China, so what’s next? Summer is coming and that means far-off places, fascinating people and breathtaking scenery. But with so many incredible places to explore, where do you begin? To satisfy your wanderlust, we’ve put together our top alternative travel musts. Bon voyage!
1. Bunk in a Japanese capsule hotel
Image source: SeanPavonePhoto
In the late 1970s a Japanese architect thought it would be interesting to reinvent the hotel room by shrinking it down, big time. The result? Capsule hotels.These miniscule rooms are two metres long and include a bed and, sometimes, a TV. The ‘rooms’ are stacked on top of each other in rows making for a very compact forty winks.
2. Trek to Machu Picchu
Image source: Amy N. Harris
The ‘lost city’ of Machu Picchu is located thousands of metres above sea level and is one of Peru’s biggest tourist attractions. The only way to get there is to trek and, depending on the route, you can take anything from one day to almost two weeks to explore the Peruvian mountains. With a view like that, it doesn’t matter how you get there, just get there if you can.
3. Ride the Maid of the Mist
Image source: Alex9500
Seeing Niagara Falls is surely on everybody’s travel bucket list, but if you’re going to make it all the way to the American-Canadian border there’s really only one way to experience the magnificence of the falls: by boat. On the Maid of the Mist you’ll be taken near the base of the falls to be doused in its incredible spray - we guarantee nothing will wash the grin off your face!
4. Do the highest bungee jump in the world
Image source: HappyAlex
One for the thrill-seekers, at 220 metres high, Contra dam in Switzerland is the site of the highest bungee-jump in the world. Recognise it? You’ll be following in famous footsteps if you take the plunge here - James Bond did the very same jump at the beginning of ‘Goldeneye’ - so if you want to do more than sightsee, you can’t get much more involved than this!
5. See the Big Five on safari
Image source: Amy N. Harris
Buffalo, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant and lion: they’re the big five African animals that every visitor wants to see on safari. So don your best adventure gear and head off into the wilderness, because a safari trip is an essential for every bona fide traveller. Whilst you’re there, why not make it the big six and try to find the most graceful of African animals, the giraffe?
6. Go on a romantic getaway to Budapest
Image source: TTStudio
Forget Paris, Hungary's buzzing capital is the perfect romantic getaway go-to for loved up couples. Flirt over kávé in a coffee house, peruse the bustling markets and wander hand in hand through the lively historic quarter. If you’ve got time, Budapest is known for its thermal baths, so don’t forget to pack your swimming gear for a romantic dip.
7. Dive a shipwreck
Image source: ShaneGross
How do you follow the Great Barrier Reef? A shipwreck! Wrecks offer divers a great chance to explore, especially as they are usually transformed by marine life into an amazing underwater habitat, so there’ll be plenty of chances to spot some fish. You can find wrekcs all over the world, but we’d recommend Australia, Hawaii and Bermuda for warm seas.
8. InterRail through Europe
Image source: leaf
It's often easy to overlook the humble train, but if seeing lashings of Europe on a budget is on your list then InterRail is the best way to do it. Your ticket gives you access to thirty countries and is especially affordable for under 26s. Of course, you will have to take the scenic (long) route but you do get to explore every corner of Europe. All aboard!
9. Climb Annapurna
Image source: salajean
Long before man stood on the summit of Mount Everest, there was Annapurna, a section of the Himalayas in Nepal. Most visitors climb Thorung La, a beast of a mountain at well over 5,000 meters. Be sure to catch a sunrise and watch the light change from white to orange on the snow-capped peaks; it’s a spectacular natural display.
10. Surf a volcano
Image source: MartinM303
This extreme sport involves trekking up a previously erupted volcano - reinforced plywood board in hand - and then hurtling down the ash at incredible speeds! You can choose to sit or stand, and you'll probably be provided with a dashing orange jumpsuit! Head to León, Nicaragua, where the sport was originally invented in 2005, for the ultimate surfing experience.
11. Swim with elephants
Image source: Stu Porter
Swimming with a 4 tonne mammal might sound peculiar, but elephants are amazing natural snorkelers thanks to their trunks! Thailand is the best country for swimming with elephants, but you can also get up close and personal with them in Bali, India and South Africa too.
12. Celebrate New Year's Eve in Brazil
Image source: fabio fersa
Times where? Forget dazzling city lights: prepare to welcome in the new year on Copacabana beach in Brazil. The night is rammed with music and dance, and there's a dazzling fireworks display at midnight. Be sure to pack something white to wear, as everyone will be dressed in white to symbolise peace and prosperity for the coming year!
Feeling inspired to get away? Don't forget to check out Rex London to find some travel essentials!