Bucket-list Holidays for Adventurous Explorers

Bucket-list holidays are the bread and butter of Not in the Guidebooks, where we’re committed to providing once-in-a-lifetime experiences for all our travellers. Whether it’s trekking through the snowy landscapes of Lapland, home to the Northern Lights or watching locals herd elephants in their natural habitats in Sri Lanka – at Not in the Guidebooks, we know what makes a holiday an experience. As experts in experiential travel we have curated itineraries full of bucket-list experiences.So, here are our top 6 bucket-list holidays.

Couple snowshoeing in Lapland as the sun sets

Arctic Couples Retreat with Snow Activities 

One of our newest wintry accommodations, situated right on the serene shores of Lake Inari, Nagu is a unique adults-only winter escape. Perfect if you’re looking for a chance to see the Northern Lights, enjoy some snowshoeing, husky sleigh rides or meet some reindeer. Our thoughtfully designed package blends adventure, cultural immersion, and deep relaxation, making it the perfect romantic escape or unforgettable getaway for those seeking quiet luxury in nature’s most untouched landscapes.

The northern lights floating in Norway over a lake

Norwegian Winter Experience with Premium Accommodation 

Embark on a captivating five-day Arctic odyssey that promises to immerse you in the untouched beauty of Tromsø and Sommarøy. Norway is full of unique, bucket-list experiences that’ll stay with you forever.

On this Arctic adventure of a lifetime you will stay for two nights in the pretty  arctic town of Tromso, take a sustainable whale watching cruise, gliding through the pristine Arctic waters in near silence aboard a state-of-the-art hybrid-electric ship on a unique wildlife adventure, get up close to majestic whales without disturbing their natural habitat, offering an intimate connection with these magnificent creatures.

Elephants bathing in a lake in sri lanka

Ultimate Sri Lankan Adventure 

On this once in a lifetime holiday explore Sri Lanka‘s diverse nature and culture with a packed itinerary featuring rainforests, beaches, wildlife, and history. It has a great mix of adventure, culture relaxing at the beach – perfect for families! This itinerary has been planned to make the most of the weather in the Summer months between April and October when the central and eastern part of the island usually has blue skies and sunny weather.

On this adventure you will have the chance to watch locals herd elephants in their natural habitats as they have done for so many years. You will also be able to experience some totally unique UNESCO world heritage sites. Our itineraries are designed to give you as many once-in-a-lifetime experiences while also letting you explore and relax in this beautiful part of the world.

Nangu

Adults Only Arctic Experience in Nangu

Step into a world of Arctic enchantment, an exclusive adults-only retreat on the serene shores of Lake Inari in Finnish ..

Norway

Gateway to the Arctic, 4-Night Tromsø Winter Experience

Embark on a captivating five-day Arctic odyssey that promises to immerse you in the untouched beauty of Tromsø and Somm..

Sri Lanka

14 Night Sri Lankan Family Adventure

On this once in a lifetime holiday explore Sri Lanka's diverse nature and culture with a packed itinerary featuring rain..

Saariselkä

3 Night Festive Adventure in the Forest, Saariselkä

Escape to the Arctic circle and the official home of Santa Claus in Lapland, on a Christmas holiday where you can discov..

Peru

Highlights of Southern Peru

Explore the culinary diversity and rich history of Lima, Peru's Capital City. Gaze at Andean condors as they glide over ..

Costa Rica

Costa Rica East to West

Discover mighty volcanos, lush cloud forest, incredible wildlife, stunning beaches, local hidden gems and quirky cultura..

Discover more incredible immersive adventures with Not in the Guidebooks

People sledding across lapland in a sleigh

Festive Family Escape with Bucket-List Experiences 

Escape to the Arctic circle and the official home of Santa Claus in Lapland, on a Christmas holiday where you can discover thrilling husky rides, explore the frozen landscape by Reindeer and snowmobile, and with luck, witness the magical spectacle of the Northern Lights

Your festive family adventure begins the moment you touch down in Ivalo airport, where you’ll be picked up and transferred to your beautiful accommodation. Nestled in the snow-covered pine forest, your cabins allow you and the family uninterrupted views of the dark sky of the polar night.

Machu Picchu in Peru aerial view over the mountains

Bucket-List Holiday to see Machu Picci and Lake Tikaka

Explore the culinary diversity and rich history of Lima, Peru’s Capital City. Gaze at Andean condors as they glide over the dramatic Colca Canyon. Sail across the picturesque Lake Titicaca and visit its traditional communities. Journey into Cusco the heartland of Inca culture and visit the famous Machu Picchu.

Experience Peru to its fullest potential with this 15 day adventure. Take the opportunity to explore range of destinations including Lima, Arequipa, Colca, Puno, Cusco, Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu!

Woman ziplining through the cloud forest in Costa Rica

Once-in-a-LIfetime Experiences in Costa Rica 

Discover mighty volcanos, lush cloud forest, incredible wildlife, stunning beaches, local hidden gems and quirky cultural experiences as you get under the skin of Costa Rica. Thanks to your local hosts and guides, you’ll come away having not just seen Costa Rica, but having experienced it like a local.

One of our favourite bucket-list experiences on this Costa Rica itinerary is the chance to zip-line over the lush rainforest, one of the longest ziplines in central and south america. As one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, there truly is no end to the fun that can be had on this holiday.


Discover more incredible immersive adventures with Not in the Guidebooks

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