Ultimate Destination Travel Guide: The Best Ways to Experience the World

Are you planning your dream trip, but aren’t sure where to begin? How you travel can be just as important to your vacation experience as where you travel. Each destination is unique, and each is more appropriate for certain styles of travel than others. Some cities beg for exploration into their hidden corners, while other locales are best seen from the vantage of a cruise ship. Here’s our ultimate destination travel guide to matching the perfect travel method to each of these spectacular global destinations.

Italy: Embrace the Land Vacation

Italy’s charm lies in its intimate details—hidden piazzas, family-run trattorias, and countryside vistas that unfold at a leisurely pace. A land-based vacation allows you to:

Stay in local accommodations: Experience authentic hospitality in converted farmhouses in Tuscany, boutique hotels in Rome, or seaside villas along the Amalfi Coast.
Follow your appetite: Spontaneously stop at that inviting vineyard, market, or gelateria without adhering to a rigid schedule.
Travel between cities efficiently: Italy’s excellent train network connects major destinations like Rome, Florence, and Venice while offering scenic journeys through the countryside.
Delve deeper: Spend evenings exploring local neighborhoods after day-trippers have departed.

For the ultimate Italian land experience, consider renting a car to explore less accessible regions like Puglia or the Dolomites, where some of Italy’s most authentic experiences await.

Greece: Set Sail on a Cruise Ship

Greece’s 6,000+ islands make a cruise ship the ideal way to experience this Mediterranean paradise:

Island variety: Visit multiple distinctive islands like Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete without the hassle of ferry schedules and accommodation changes.
Spectacular approaches: Nothing compares to sailing into Santorini’s caldera or watching the whitewashed buildings of Mykonos come into view from the water.
Efficient exploration: Many Greek historical sites and charming towns are near ports, making day excursions convenient and time-effective.
Comfortable travel: Return to your floating hotel each evening without repacking, while overnight sailing maximizes your time in each destination.

Choose smaller ships when possible for access to intimate ports that larger vessels can’t reach, such as Hydra or Patmos.

Southeast Asia: Glide Along the Mekong River

A river cruise on the mighty Mekong provides an intimate window into daily life in Vietnam and Cambodia:

Authentic cultural immersion: Witness riverside villages, floating markets, and agricultural practices unchanged for generations.
Comfortable pace: Experience the region’s tropical climate from a cool, comfortable vessel while still engaging with local communities.
Exclusive access: Reach remote temples, villages, and natural areas inaccessible to land-based travelers.
Expert guidance: On-board specialists provide cultural context that enhances your understanding of this complex region.

Most Mekong cruises include guided excursions to major attractions like Angkor Wat while handling the logistical challenges of cross-border travel seamlessly.

Africa: Adventure on Safari

Nothing compares to a traditional safari for experiencing Africa’s breathtaking wildlife and landscapes:

Unfiltered wilderness: Witness animals in their natural habitat—lions on the hunt, elephants at watering holes, and the great wildebeest migration.
Expert trackers: Professional guides with intimate knowledge of animal behavior maximize wildlife encounters.
Immersive accommodations: Stay in lodges or luxury tented camps where wildlife viewing continues even during downtime.
Conservation connection: Many safaris contribute directly to conservation efforts and local communities.

For the most rewarding experience, combine driving safaris with walking safaris for different perspectives, and consider visiting during shoulder seasons when crowds are thinner.

New Zealand: Circumnavigate by Cruise Ship

New Zealand’s dramatic coastline and compact geography make it perfect for cruise exploration:

Scenic fjords: Access spectacular Fiordland National Park, including Milford Sound, from the ideal vantage point.
Comprehensive coverage: Circle both islands efficiently, visiting diverse landscapes from subtropical Bay of Islands to the alpine South Island.
Convenient city access: Major ports like Auckland, Wellington, and Dunedin offer easy access to urban attractions.
Weather flexibility: If conditions prevent docking at one destination, cruise ships can often adjust to alternative ports.

Choose expedition-style cruises with zodiac landings for more adventurous and remote experiences, particularly in Fiordland.

Japan: Bullet Train Adventure

Japan’s legendary Shinkansen network makes train travel the definitive way to experience this fascinating country:

Incredible efficiency: Cover vast distances quickly while enjoying punctuality that’s measured in seconds, not minutes.
Urban-to-rural contrast: Easily transition from Tokyo’s neon energy to the serene temples of Kyoto and rural hot spring towns.
Scenic journeys: Routes like the coastal Tokyo-to-Kanazawa line offer stunning views of the Japanese Alps and Sea of Japan.
Cultural immersion: Experience distinctive Japanese train culture, from ekiben (station bento boxes) to the ritual precision of station staff.

Iceland: Self-Drive Ring Road

Iceland’s Route 1 (Ring Road) circling the island creates the perfect self-drive adventure:

Freedom to linger: Stop spontaneously at countless waterfalls, black sand beaches, and geological wonders.
Northern Lights flexibility: During winter months, adjust your schedule to chase aurora boredom viewings.
Hot spring hopping: Discover both famous thermal areas like the Blue Lagoon and hidden local hot pots.
Changing landscapes: Witness dramatic transitions from volcanoes to glaciers, lava fields to green valleys, all in the span of a day’s drive.

Galapagos Islands: Small Ship Expedition

The fragile ecosystem of the Galapagos is best experienced via small expedition vessels:

Wildlife proximity: Get remarkably close to fearless wildlife that evolved without human predators.
Expert naturalists: Learn directly from scientists and specialized guides about Darwin’s living laboratory.
Environmental responsibility: Support conservation through strictly regulated tourism practices.
Active exploration: Combine snorkeling, kayaking, and hiking for a multi-dimensional experience of these unique islands.

Morocco: Private Guide and Driver

Morocco’s complex culture, winding medinas, and language barriers make a private guide invaluable:

Cultural navigation: Access hidden workshops, rooftop viewpoints, and authentic experiences closed to typical tourists.
Desert expedition: Journey comfortably into the Sahara for overnight stays in traditional desert camps.
Personalized pace: Adjust your itinerary based on discoveries and interests along the way.
Local perspective: Gain insights into Morocco’s fascinating blend of Arab, Berber, and French influences.

The Arctic: Expedition Cruise

The remote Arctic region reveals its majesty through specialized expedition cruising:

Wildlife spotting: Search for polar bears, walruses, and whales with expert guidance.
Zodiac excursions: Access remote shorelines and ice formations with specialized landing craft.
Scientific insight: Learn from onboard glaciologists, marine biologists, and climate scientists.
Historical significance: Visit abandoned whaling stations and early exploration sites with historical context.

Remember that the best travel experiences often combine methods—perhaps a cruise with extended pre- and post-stays, or a guided tour with independent exploration afterward. The key is matching the right travel style to each destination’s unique character and your personal interests.

Ready to plan your ultimate getaway? Let one of our expert travel advisors be your guide.