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What makes travel special is that it invariably provides transformational experiences, the memories of which last a lifetime. Here’s a look 10 experiences that travel advisors identified as some of their all-time favorites.
Kauai, Hawaii
“My favorite travel memory is driving an ATV on Kauai. Not only was this my first time in Hawaii, but my first time driving an ATV. Not only was this exhilarating but viewing the land where Jurassic Park was filmed was breathtakingly beautiful. My cheeks hurt from smiling and laughing all day!” — Sarah Kline, Time for Travel
Scotland
“A more recent travel memory was the unique experience of leaning up against the Callanish Standing Stones west of Stornoway in my native homeland of Scotland, amidst a light rain attired in my clan kilt. Alas, Claire from the Outlander series of novels did not appear.” — James Ferguson, Travel Edge
Egypt
“Definitely one of my most memorable travel experiences was a balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. There were at least 50 balloons going up that morning, and we were one of the only ones lucky enough to catch the wind just right and go directly over all the tombs.” — Hannah Nowicki, Sunset Travel & Cruise
New Zealand
“For our 20th anniversary, my husband and I spent two weeks in New Zealand. Our favorite was our night in a private villa on a 1,200-acre sheep station. Our villa was perched on a cliff with floor-to-ceiling windows with gorgeous views of beach and stunning landscape.” — Sandy Pappas, Sandy Pappas Travel, a Travel Experts affiliate
Antarctica
“My favorite travel memory was being surrounded by a pod of six whales in Antarctica in a zodiac boat. We observed their synchronized dance of alternating tail flips and spouts with awe. The whales’ grace against a pristine backdrop of snow-covered mountains gave me a sense of peace like I had never felt before.” — Susie Chau, Carpe Diem Travelers
Yucatan, Mexico
“One of my favorite travel experiences was my road trip from Texas across Mexico to Yucatan in 2012. With Karmen, my canine co-pilot, the four-day 1,800-mile drive had plenty of rest stops and wonderful pet-friendly inns. The unforgettable scenery included pine forests, desert, snow-capped volcanoes, tropical jungle and palm-fringed coastline.” — Ben Gritzewsky, FROSCH
Paris, France
“One of my favorite moments was learning to make baguettes in a boulangerie in Paris’ 7th arrondissement. We learned about their 100-year-old yeast starter, the way they shape the baguettes, and wood-fired out own. We felt like master bakers in the end and left with armfuls of golden baguettes.” — Becky Lukovic, Bella Travel Planning, an affiliate of Travel Experts
Mexico & Jamaica
“I’ve been lucky enough to escort many of my groups on catamaran trips in Mexico and Jamaica. Watching Cancun or Montego Bay from a boat at sunset, and thinking about all the joy the locals are bringing to the thousands of guests at the various hotels, brings me a lot of joy.” — James Berglie, Be All Inclusive
Bora Bora
“Definitely my favorite moment in travel is jet-skiing around the Bora Bora lagoon. It was the most breathtaking experience, complete with incredible views of Mount Otemanu, speeding by overwater bungalows on clear sparkling waters. I feel so much gratitude that I was able to experience this magical moment.” — Katie Kapel, Mode Travel Agency
Scotland
“There’s nothing like arriving by private jet into Scotland and being greeted by a bagpiper before heading to a private-hire castle in a Rolls.” — Claire Schoeder, Elevations Travel
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