Another year, another holiday wishlist. But before the calendar flips, why settle for the usual sightseeing tour when you could be walking among the clouds in Tokyo, come face-to-face with giant tortoises in Seychelles or watch the African wilderness wake up from a hot-air balloon, and so much more!
For travellers looking to make their upcoming holidays count, these five destinations promise experiences that are anything but ordinary. Consider this your sign to swap the predictable itinerary for a little adventure, a lot of discovery and stories worth telling long after you return home.
1. Go beneath the surface in Eilat
Forget the usual beach day. In Israel's southern resort city of Eilat, the Red Sea offers an entirely different world to explore. Head to the Eilat Underwater Observatory Marine Park, where you can discover colourful marine life and coral reef ecosystems without even having to put on a snorkel.
The city's Coral Beach Nature Reserve offers opportunities to snorkel amid vibrant underwater habitats, while glass-bottom boat rides let you admire the marine world without getting wet. With desert landscapes on one side and the Red Sea on the other, Eilat is an unexpected combination of seaside relaxation and outdoor adventure. It's the kind of place where your holiday can go from a lazy beach morning to an underwater discovery in a matter of hours.
2. Walk among the clouds at Tokyo Skytree
What if sightseeing meant feeling as though you were floating above an entire city? Rising 634 metres above Tokyo, Tokyo Skytree offers spectacular panoramic views of the Japanese capital from its observation decks.
For a particularly memorable visit, head to the Tembo Galleria, a glass-walled corridor that spirals upwards between 445 and 450 metres above ground. The experience feels like taking a walk through the sky, with the sprawling cityscape unfolding beneath you. If the weather is clear, you may even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji in the distance.
For those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on solid ground, the Tembo Deck's glass-floor section offers its own thrilling perspective. Visit around sunset to watch Tokyo transition from a sprawling daytime metropolis into a glittering sea of city lights.
3. Meet Curieuse Island’s famously unhurried residents
Beyond Seychelles postcard-perfect beaches and turquoise waters, the archipelago offers the chance to encounter giant tortoises in their natural island habitat and conservation settings.
Make your way to Curieuse Island, a marine national park near Praslin, where giant tortoises roam among lush vegetation and distinctive coastal landscapes. The island also offers nature trails, birdwatching and opportunities to explore its remarkable biodiversity.
The encounter is a refreshing reminder that not every holiday highlight needs an adrenaline rush. Sometimes, it's about wandering along a nature trail, spotting wildlife and appreciating a place where life moves at a gentler pace.
4. Find your own slice of paradise at Phulay Bay
Some holidays are made for exploring; others are made for switching off completely. At Phulay Bay, a Ritz- Carlton Reserve in Krabi, Thailand, the experience is all about secluded luxury, dramatic coastal scenery and the art of doing absolutely nothing in style.
Set against the stunning limestone landscapes of southern Thailand, this exclusive retreat pairs elegant villas and private pools with sweeping views of the Andaman Sea. Spend your morning unwinding by the water, indulge in a restorative spa ritual or simply watch the changing colours of the sky from your own private sanctuary.
For those who prefer a little adventure with their indulgence, the surrounding Krabi region offers opportunities to explore emerald waters, limestone cliffs and beautiful offshore islands. Whether it's a private boat excursion or a leisurely day spent soaking up the tropical scenery, Phulay Bay makes a compelling case for slowing down and savouring every moment.
5. Take a hot-air balloon safari over the Maasai Mara Some travel experiences are unforgettable because of what you see. Others are unforgettable because of how you see it. In Kenya's Maasai Mara, a sunrise hot-air balloon safari offers a spectacular combination of both.
The adventure begins before dawn, as you head to the launch site while the African sky slowly changes colour.
Once airborne, you'll drift above sweeping grasslands, taking in the vast wilderness from a bird's-eye perspective as the landscape comes alive below. Wildlife sightings depend on the conditions and location, but the scenery alone makes for an extraordinary experience.
The stillness of the early morning, the changing colours of the sky and the scale of the savannah offer a completely different perspective from a traditional game drive. It's an experience that brings together adventure, nature and the rare pleasure of seeing the world from a little higher up.