The Coolest Places in the World You Can Travel to

Exotic creatures in the Galápagos, glacier snowmobiles in Iceland, geothermal hot springs in Japan – book a place on one of these trips and you’ll get see the funkiest parts of the planet.
Overwhelmed by the number of places on your bucket list? Looking for somewhere a little more unique? Get inspired by this selection of some of the coolest places in the world to visit. By joining one of our specially curated itineraries, you don’t even need to worry about the logistics.

Japan, for hot springs, bamboo forests and sushi-making
Japan is a country that truly has it all – neon-lit skyscrapers, bamboo forests, ancient temples, breathtaking mountains and so much more. By joining this 12-day Rail Trip you’ll get a true sense of Japan’s history, culture and natural beauty. Beginning in the foodie capital, Osaka, you’ll head south on the Bullet Train to learn about the devastating history and resilience of Hiroshima, before exploring the backstreets of Kyoto by bike and hiking through the vermilion-coloured torii gates of Fushimi Inari – one of Japan’s most important shrines. Sip sake, soak in onsens and marvel at bubbling volcanic geysers in the mountains – you’ll also be treated to fabulous views of Mount Fuji on a cruise across Lake Ashi. Top it all off with sushi-making, taiko drumming and sightseeing in Tokyo – the perfect place to wrap up your trip.
From US$3569
Next available from 2nd Sep 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Osaka, Japan
ENDS AT
Tokyo, Japan
DURATION
12
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE

Georgia, for stunning mountain scenery and world class wining and dining
Tucked away in the Caucasus Mountains, blending the boundaries of Europe and Asia, is this uniquely beautiful nation. It’s a land where fairytale churches pop their heads up amid rugged snow-capped landscapes, verdant forests conceal a world of exploration, and where ancient cities transport you back to another time. It’s also, somewhat surprisingly, one of the best wine destinations on Earth and, thanks to the famed sulphur baths of Tbilisi, a bit of a spa destination. Our incredible value nine-day trip here explores all of these facets, starting in Tbilisi before heading into the country for hiking, baking and wine tasting. We’ll drive through Truso Gorge and visit remote villages, dine on local delicacies and visit the gorgeous Gergeti Church. To top it all off we’ll go for a well earned soak in those sulphur baths, leaving your relaxed and rejuvenated after the trip of a lifetime.
From US$1126
Next available from 15th Jun 2024
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Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
Tbilisi, Georgia
ENDS AT
Tbilisi, Georgia
DURATION
9
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE

Costa Rica, to soak in volcanic hot springs and hang with the sloths
If it’s cool enough for the sloths, it’s cool enough for us. This Central American paradise is a highlights reel of Mother Nature’s greatest creations, from domineering volcanoes and the geothermal joys that sprout from them, to mystical cloud forests and glorious Pacific beaches. On our eight-day trip here you’ll soak in volcanic hot springs in Arenal and splash about in a jungle waterfall before going sloth spotting on a rainforest hike. You’ll sip some of the best coffee of your life, before staying at a cloud forest lodge, where you’ll learn about Costa Rican cuisine and go white-water rafting on the Tenorio River before ending up in the laid-back surf town of Tamarindo. There really is no place on Earth like Costa Rica, just ask the sloths.
From US$2403
Next available from 10th Aug 2024
Secure your spot with a low deposit
Trip highlights and details
STARTS AT
San Jose, Costa Rica
ENDS AT
Tamarindo, Provincia De Guanacaste
DURATION
8
GROUP SIZE
16
PHYSICAL RATING
STYLE
This is an updated version of an article originally written by Emma Gibbins.
Culture Trips launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes places and communities so special.
Our immersive trips, led by Local Insiders, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences and an invitation to travel the world with like-minded explorers. Our Travel Experts are on hand to help you make perfect memories. All our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.?>
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