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HAND PICKED
THE ULTIMATE
BUCKET LIST
TOP 10
HAND PICKED
THE ULTIMATE
BUCKET LIST
Maybe you have some must-see
destinations you want to experience in
mind - now’s the time to start making these
happen.
From working abroad and cruising down
Route 66 to touring Peru and islandhopping in Thailand, there are so many
things to see and do; the question is where
to start? So, to make things a little bit
easier we have whittled down the Top 10
of everything, from all over the globe. How
many are you going to tick off?
SLEEP
WITH US
River Kwai Floathouse,
Thailand
From quirky, modern hostels in the centre of the action to full-blown luxury in the confines of a
flash hotel, we have it all. Nothing, however, can beat getting stuck into the true lifestyle of your
surroundings. Unique lodgings, authentic camps and traditional homestays. As you can imagine, picking
our favourite ten has been tricky but we’ve searched high and low for the very best digs around.
1
CLINK 78, LONDON
6
Set in a 200 year-old courthouse, this quirky hostel
has a buzzing bar and free all-you-can-eat brekkie.
Fr £17 dorm, per night LONCLI
2
1888 PYRMONT, SYDNEY
Check out this stylish hostel’s rotating bar, gastropub,
outdoor terrace and playroom with Skype booth.
Fr £20 dorm, per night PRGFUS
7
Think high ceilings, period features, bespoke art and
luxurious rooms at this hip, heritage-listed hotel.
Fr £48 twin/double, per night ASYD18
3
Sleeping in a floating villa amidst
the unspoilt jungle of kanchanaburi
was a real highlight of our thai trip.
Amber Kelly, STA Australia
HILLTRIBE HUT EXPERIENCE, THAILAND
MAYAN DUDE RANCH, USA
8
KRUGER TREEHOUSE SAFARI, SOUTH AFRICA
10/10 game viewing, an adrenalin-packed bush walk
plus unique treehouse accommodation. Awesome.
Fr £499, 4 days JNBTRE
RIVER KWAI FLOATHOUSE, THAILAND
By day, take in unspoilt Kanchanaburi’s must-see
sights. By night, relax in your elegant, floating villa.
Fr £188, 2 days BKKRKF
9
OVERNIGHT STAY DESERT CAMP, DUBAI
Camp in large, canvas tents as part of this magical
package. Includes a 4x4 ride and tasty BBQ dinner.
Fr £219, 2 days DXBODC
With a family-run ranch as your base, saddle up
cowboy and prepare for a great Texan adventure!
Fr £139, 2 days SATMAY
5
LAKE TITICACA HOMESTAY, PERU
Visit floating islands, explore Inca remains and enjoy
local hospitality as part of an authentic homestay.
Fr £52, 2 days FJZTIT
Bed down like a local in traditional bamboo huts as
part of this Chiang Mai jungle trekking experience.
Fr £181, 3 days CNXHUT
4
FUSION, PRAGUE
10
RYOKAN STAYS, JAPAN
Kip in a traditional ryokan (guest inn) in Tokyo or
Kyoto, with futon bed, tatami mat and kimono.
Fr £216, 3 days TYORYO/KYOKRP
Skyjump at the Sky
Tower, Auckland
Heart thumping. Nervous laughter. Excitement building. You’re bound to experience all of these before
you head off on an adventure you’ll remember for the rest of your life (cheesy, we know, but it’s true!).
Whether you’re about to conquer one of your biggest fears or just enjoy the pure adrenalin rush as
you throw yourself in at the deep end, there’s nothing like the feeling when you come out the other
side. If you have a bucket list, now’s the time to start ticking it off. Ready, steady, go!
1
JETBOATING, NEW ZEALAND
6
Choose from high-speed ‘thrill therapy’ at spectacular
Huka Falls or hurtle through Shotover River canyons.
Fr £60, half day ZQNFUN/TUOHUC
2
SYDNEY BRIDGE CLIMB, AUSTRALIA
DIVE WITH WHALE SHARKS, MEXICO
7
SKYDIVE, AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND
8
GOLDEN EAGLE HELICOPTER RIDE, USA
Enjoy 180-degree, bird’s-eye views of the Grand
Canyon, Hoover Dam and Lake Mead. Wow!
Fr £196, half day LASEH1
WHITE WATER RAFTING, NEW ZEALAND / AFRICA
BUNGEE JUMPING, AFRICA / NEW ZEALAND
Take the plunge at Victoria Falls Bridge or choose
from five NZ options including the mighty Nevis Swing.
Fr £82, half day AKLAJB/CNSBUN/LVILBJ
9
Choose when and where (five Oz jump sites) with the
tandem flexi pass or take the plunge at NZ’s Taupo.
Fr £149, half day CNSFPS/TUOFRE
5
SHARK CAGE DIVING, SOUTH AFRICA / AUSTRALIA
Ride Rotorua’s Grade V rapids or experience the raw
power of the mighty Zambezi River at Victoria Falls.
Fr £52, half day ROTRAF/LVIWAT
Swim alongside these giant (but gentle) fish -amongst
the world’s largest - off Cancun’s Isla Holbox coast.
Fr £131, half day CUNSRK
4
Hayley Willis, STA New Zealand
Get up close and personal with fearsome Great Whites
at Gansbaai or Australia’s Neptune Islands.
Fr £140, full day CPTSCD/PLOSWI
Make your way up this iconic landmark. Thrilling views
of the city and harbour await you at the summit!
Fr £124, half day SYDBCS
3
Nothing beats an adrenalin-pumping
experience when you’re abroad. No matter
how scared you are, you never regret it.
DOWNHILL BIKE THE DEATH ROAD, BOLIVIA
Drop 4,000 metres in five hair-raising hours on this
guided mountain bike ride. Not for the fainthearted!
Fr £95, full day LPBBIK
10
SURF @ G-LAND JOYO’S SURF CAMP, BALI
Experience the best of Indonesia’s legendary waves
whilst staying in funky, jungle accommodation.
Fr £410, 4 days BGLJSC
THRILL
SEEKERS
a huge food fight, defintely the
messiest festival i’ve ever been to . .
it was awesome.
Georgina Downs, STA UK
If you’re the life and soul of the party, this
top ten is for you. Whether you prefer to
be dressed to the nines in a slick superclub,
covered in neon paint on a white sand
beach, or raving the night away at a muddy
festival, we have something for you. As the
music thumps around you and the place
explodes into a dancing frenzy, raise your
glass (or bucket) and toast the festivities
because it’s going to be one to remember.
Cheers!
1
OKTOBERFEST, MUNICH
6
Hit the beer tents, grab a stein (or three) and
sing along to ‘oompah’ bands.
Fr £189, 4 days camping BU
2
PARTY
ANIMALS
ST. PATRICK’S DAY, DUBLIN
Cheer on the archers, wrestlers and horse
riders at Ulaanbataar’s unique festival.
Fr £1,699, 15 days GAAMNF
7
A huge street parade and festival. Sample the
‘black stuff’ at the Guinness Storehouse.
Fr £219, 4 days BU
3
RIO CARNIVAL PACKAGE, RIO DE JANEIRO
HOGMANAY, EDINBURGH
8
FULL MOON PARTY, KOH PHANGAN
Grab a bucket and join 30,000 hedonists at
Thailand’s world-famous beach party.
Fr £148, 6 days KHRFUS
KING’S DAY, AMSTERDAM
Celebrate all things Dutch at one of the
world’s largest street parties.
Fr £329, 4 days BU
9
The ultimate NYE party. The following day,
cure your hangover with an icy dip in the sea!
Fr £379, 5 days BU
5
LA TOMATINA, VALENCIA
Imagine 20,000 strangers slugging tomatoes
at each other in the streets. Excellent fun.
Fr £279, 3 days BU
A once-in-a-lifetimer. Expect sleepless
nights, epic fun and countless caipirinhas!
Fr £569, 8 days RIOBOT
4
NAADAM FESTIVAL, MONGOLIA
NEW YEAR’S EVE, LAS VEGAS / NEW YORK
Celebrate NY in style on the glittering ‘Strip’
or at Times Square. Sydney option available.
Fr £569, 4 days COLVNY/CONYNY
10
MEXICO DAY OF THE DEAD, OAXACA
A macabre, ancestry celebration and huge
knees-up. Ghoulishly good!
Fr £639, 7 days GACMDO
La Tomatina,
Valencia
OFF THE BEATEN
TRACK
Get off the well-trodden tourist trail and
grab your walking boots! Whether you
fancy climbing a mountain, trekking near
hilltribe villages, wandering around lush
cloud forest or marching through the
jungle, we’ve got some of the best. After
all, with no-one around, it’s the perfect
time to get back to nature and soak up
the pure tranquillity of your surroundings.
Are you up for the challenge?
1
NORTHERN THAILAND HILLTRIBES
TREK, THAILAND
Trek, bamboo raft and meet locals from
traditional tribal villages around Chiang Mai.
Fr £199, 5 days GAATHH
2
LOST CITY TREK, COLUMBIA
Venture deep into the Colombian jungle and
explore the magical, ancient city of Perdida.
Fr £361, 5 days SMRLCT
3
TREKKING MONT BLANC, FRANCE
6
Peppered with vividly-coloured craters and
lakes this 19km trek is one of NZ’s best.
Fr £173, half day TUOTON
7
Jade Tyrrell, STA UK
4
5
BORNEO SABAH ADVENTURE,
THE INCA TRAIL, PERU
This cultural gem takes in the Sacred Valley,
Machu Picchu and stunnning mountainscapes.
Fr £649, 7 days GASPIT
8
Hike the world-class circuit of Europe’s
highest peak with knock-out Alpine views.
Fr £999, 10 days GAEFMB
the pictures don’t do this place
justice. a challenging hike but
totally worth it. it’s stunning.
TONGARIRO CROSSING, NEW ZEALAND
TREK KILIMANJARO: MACHAME
ROUTE, TANZANIA
Scenic with different paths to the summit and
back. Ask about Marangu and Rongai routes.
Fr £1,299, 8 days GADTM8
9
MARRAKECH MULTI ACTIVE STAY,
MALAYSIA
MOROCCO
Trek and conquer mighty Mount Kinabalu. See
wild orang-utans and turtles.
Fr £1,299, 10 days GAAASA
Hike, climb and bike as part of this adventure
package with routes for every ability.
Fr £343, 6 days RAKACT
EVEREST ADVENTURE, NEPAL
Marvel at glaciers, stunning views and remote
Sherpa villages as you trek to Base Camp.
Fr £999, 15 days GAANEA
10
TREKKING IN ICELAND, ICELAND
Glacier hike, soak in natural springs and
witness boiling waters exploding at Geysir.
Fr £2,099, 10 days GAELST
Tongariro Crossing,
New Zealand
With the wind beneath your sails, you won’t feel
more free than on an adventure by boat where the
only things that surround you are the water and
horizon. Whether it’s lush scenery, picturesque
beaches or stunning ice formations that you’re
after, we have pulled out gems from around the
globe that will lead you into sailing temptation.
So kick back on deck, take in the rippling waters,
stunning scenery and pure tranquillity as you leave
land-life behind. Ahoy, Captain!
1
CROATIA ISLAND HOPPER, CROATIA
ALL
ABOARD
6
Cruise the azure waters of the Dalmatian Coast
island-hopping aboard your fantastic sailing boat.
Fr £499, 8 days BU
2
VOYAGE GALAPAGOS, ECUADOR
WHITSUNDAY SAILING, AUSTRALIA
7
CANAL BOAT ADVENTURE, UK
8
AMAZON RIVERBOAT ADVENTURE, BRAZIL
Cruise the jungle in style, swim with pink dolphins,
see exotic wildlife and meet traditional communities.
Fr £1,549, 9 days GAPVIIA
BLUE LAGOON CRUISES, FIJI
Enjoy crystal-clear waters, coral reefs and a wide
range of activities aboard this boutique cruise.
Fr £746, 3 days NANFJF
9
Country and cityscapes, traditional English pubs and
hearty fare. The ultimate, hands-on barge tour.
Fr £195, 4 days MANADV
5
GREEK ISLAND SAILING, GREECE
Ports of call on this relaxing cruise include bustling
Athens, glamorous Hydra and fun-loving Mykonos.
Fr £849, 8 days GAGVAM
Sail this tropical paradise on a full day trip or get really
stuck in and spend a few nights on board.
Fr £91, 1 day WDSCAM/GZC2SF
4
THAI ISLAND HOPPER EAST, THAILAND
Island hop by ferry and bliss out with sunbathing.
Then, go wild at the Full Moon Party!
Fr £539, 9 days COTIKS
Aboard the Daphne, you’ll get to snorkel with sea lions
and giant tortoises and visit El Solpador blow hole.
Fr £1,299, 3 days GAEV06HB
3
Camira Sailing Adventure,
Whitsunday Islands
HALONG BAY CRUISE, VIETNAM
Meander through the emerald waters of this World
Heritage site aboard a traditional Vietnamese junk.
Fr £171, 3 days HANCRU
10
ANTARCTICA CLASSIC, ANTARCTICA
Encounter huge whales, sprawling colonies of
penguins and amazing landscapes few have witnessed.
Fr £2,999, 11 days GAXVCASX
Snorkelling amongst coral reefs and chilling out on deck was
the best place to get away from real life.
Rhiannon Lee, STA Australia
Shwedagon Paya
Buddhist Temple, Burma
START THE
ADVENTURE
Where do you want to go? What do you want to do? For those of you with the travel bug, there are
so many countries and so many places to see, it can be tough choosing your next adventure. So let
us help you. We’ve hand-picked the very best small and large group tours from all over the world, and
they’re true treasures. Asia, Latin America, USA, Australasia, Africa or Europe - the choice is yours!
What are you waiting for? The world’s your oyster.
1
CHINA ON A SHOESTRING
6
Walk The Great Wall, marvel at the Terracotta Army
and visit Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Fr £1,049, 18 days GAACRG
2
UNCOVER INDIA
7
Brazen Delhi, glitzy Mumbai, spiritual Pushkar and
party-central Goa. Prepare for a sensory overload!
Fr £699, 15 days GAAHUH
3
Deciding to explore the world was one
of the scariest decisions I’ve ever made
but definitely one of the best.
Kweku Mills, STA UK
KIWIANA PANORAMA
VODKATRAIN: THE GENGHIS KHAN
8
EUROPEAN HIGHLIGHTS
Tick off eight countries in 14 days; see iconic
attractions with a ready-made bunch of mates!
Fr £1,245, 14 days COCCPE
PERU ON A SHOESTRING
A cracking tour packing in the essentials - Sacred
Valley homestay, the Inca Trail and Nazca Lines.
Fr £929, 15 days GASPPS
9
Start in Moscow, finish in Beijing along the epic
Trans-Mongolian route. Three countries in two weeks!
Fr £1,240, 14 days GKMB/GKBM
5
CALIFORNIA HIGHLIGHTS
Experience the best of Western USA, including a limo
ride in Vegas and the beauty of Yosemite N.P.
Fr £895, 8 days COWWAV
Bungee, ski and skydive on a whistlestop tour of NZ,
seeing this magical country at its very finest.
Fr £1,615, 16 days CONPZAD
4
INDOCHINA DISCOVERY
Discover ancient temples, lost cities, pristine beaches
and misty mountains on this all-encompassing trip.
Fr £1,599, 30 days GAATID
REEFS & RAINFORESTS
Cairns, the Whitsundays, Daintree Rainforest, Sydney
- this East Coast Oz adventure ticks all the boxes.
Fr £1,785, 16 days COBWCSD
10
NAIROBI TO CAPE TOWN ADVENTURE
Absorb ancient cultures, ‘Big 5’ wildlife and otherworldly landscapes on this epic overland adventure.
Fr £2,899, 40 days GADKNC
HIT THE
ROAD
Make the most of a country or continent. With the open road ahead of you, crank up the tunes, wind
down the windows and immerse yourself in your surroundings. Whether you fancy doing a self-drive,
renting a campervan or taking a hop-on-hop-off bus, what could be better than travelling at your own
pace? Stop when you feel like it and still see the major sites along the way, all on your terms. Who
doesn’t love a road trip?
1
MIGHTY CAMPERVANS, AUSTRALIA / NZ
6
Wallet-friendly rental with unlimited kilometres. For
ultimate flexibility, invest in a camperFLEX pass.
Fr £15, per day
2
BUSABOUT HOP-ON HOP-OFF, EUROPE
Great value coach tickets. The Mini Traveller and The
Kilometre passes are our top picks.
Fr £262, Sydney to Cairns
7
Operating on three coach ‘loops’, choose one or more
combos. Flex-stops and one-ways are also options.
Fr £449 1 loop, Fr £769 2 loops, Fr £929 3 loops
3
BAMBA EXPERIENCE, LATIN AMERICA
KIWI EXPERIENCE, NEW ZEALAND
8
Going on a road trip was a great
way to see all the main sites of the
country at our own pace.
Paul Celaschi, STA UK
HISTORIC ROUTE 66, USA
Discover Native Indian history and roll through the
desert to dazzling Vegas on this epic self-drive.
Fr £728, 18 days ORDSFD
STRAY, ASIA
Expert guides, reliable buses, like-minded travel
buddies and authentic, Asian experiences.
Fr £71, 3 days minimum LAOSTA/LAOSTR
9
Travel by bus, at your own pace, with 25 different
pass options and awesome inclusions.
Fr £657, 15 days minimum AKLSHE
5
MOOSE TRAVEL NETWORK, CANADA
This off-the-beaten track backpacker bus system
offers accommodated and non-accommodated tours.
Fr £289, 8 days YVRCAR/YVRBOU
Flexible hop-on hop-off bus passes. Tango & Samba
Ways (Rio to Buenos Aires) is highly recommended.
Fr £673, 7 - 9 days BRZBAM
4
GREYHOUND, AUSTRALIA
INTERRAIL, EUROPE
Whizz in, out and around 30 countries in comfort
using the Global Travel Pass. Fuss-free rail value.
Fr £166, 5 days travel within 10 days
10
BAZ BUS, SOUTH AFRICA
Hop-on hop-off bus tickets. Save big by opting for an
exciting wildlife safari and adventure package.
Fr £485, 14 days minimum BA2BUS/BAZBSS
Camp Kenya
Throwing yourself into a different way of life, seeing it like a local and getting to the heart of a new
culture. This is what travelling is all about. Get tongue-tied whilst learning a new language, put your
thinking cap on when teaching, get in touch with nature or communities by volunteering or earn as
you travel to fund your upcoming adventures. Nothing is more satisfying. And, what’s more, you’ll have
the time of your life.
1
THAI ELEPHANT CONSERVATION
6
Bathe, feed and learn about these majestic grey
giants. Plus, actively contribute to local conservation.
Fr £399, 1 - 8 weeks GATATECT
2
WORK IN CANADA
Work amongst the ‘Big 5’ and support anti-poaching
efforts at a South African game reserve. Grrrreat!
Fr £588, 2 - 12 weeks STAOLZSHA
7
Earn $$$ and live and travel here! The BUNAC support
programme will help you sort out your visa and job.
Fr £339
WORK HARD
PLAY HARD
3
TEACHING KIDS IN CAMBODIA
Getting out of my comfort zone to
support a project was hugely
rewarding. I want to go back!
Giedre Salciunaite, STA UK
LEARN TO SAIL
8
LEARN TO BE A SKI OR SNOWBOARD
INSTRUCTOR, USA / CANADA
Get some serious snow skills on some of the world’s
best powder. Ski or board by day and party by night!
Fr £4,315, 3 - 11 weeks EDASCT
CAMP KENYA
Support award-winning initiatives, teach kids and spot
wildlife on game drives at this Kenyan project.
Fr £980, 2 weeks - 3 months STACAMKEN
9
Be part of a yacht crew sailing round Australia’s
stunning Whitsunday Islands - and earn certification.
Fr £1,645, 3 weeks WDSSLE
5
LEARN SPANISH IN BUENOS AIRES
Small class sizes allow you to get the most out of
lessons, based in the cosmopolitan Argentine capital.
Fr £305, 1 - 48 weeks GLOBO
Get creative! Support teachers at a Siem Reap
outreach centre by providing art-based workshops.
Fr £569, 2 - 8 weeks GATAKSRT
4
SHAMWARI CONSERVATION EXPERIENCE
TEACH ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Teach English abroad with a TEFL qualification. Online,
120-hour courses and TEFL internships also available.
Fr £99 (online) LONTEA (COURSE)/CNTEFL/THTELF/CATEFL/SATEFL
10
BASE WORK & TRAVEL STARTER PACKAGES
These do all the hard stuff for you so you can
concentrate on settling in to your new life in OZ or NZ.
Fr £176, 3 - 7 nights