Photo: Unforgettable Region © Courtesy of News Canada
One of the best parts of traveling is experiencing new destinations in new and exciting ways. If half the fun is deciding where you’ll go, the other half is deciding how.
Some of the world’s most memorable destinations are also among the most complex to explore. Remote coastlines, far-flung communities, and vast distances can make it difficult to experience everything a region has to offer in a single trip. And if you’re looking for an especially unique kind of adventure, you might consider taking to the waters.
Whether sailing aboard a luxury yacht in the Mediterranean, exploring South America by sea, or following the waterways of South Asia, traveling by water can offer access to places harder to reach by land while connecting travelers with local culture, cuisine, and landscapes along the way.
Here are three unforgettable regions worth considering for your next adventure.
Discover Another Side of the Mediterranean
The Mediterranean may be one of the world’s best-known vacation destinations, but exploring it by yacht can reveal places beyond the familiar tourist routes. Smaller ports and harbors make it possible to see both iconic destinations and charming coastal towns.
In southern France, travelers can move beyond the glamour of Nice and Monaco to historic Marseille, local markets, and the rugged landscapes and traditional villages of Corsica. Spain offers another contrast, from Barcelona’s architecture and energy to Andalucía’s Moorish influences and the ancient port city of Cádiz.
Then there’s Malta, where European and Arabic influences have shaped the island nation’s architecture, cuisine, heritage, and language. In Italy, dramatic landscapes accompany the journey from the Italian Riviera to the Amalfi Coast and Capri, with picturesque harbors, seafood, handmade pasta, and local limoncello adding to the experience.
Experience South America’s Wild Side
For travelers craving nature and adventure, South America offers a dramatically different journey. Its vast coastline encompasses glaciers, fjords, rainforests, and rugged shores, with some destinations difficult to access by land.
Traveling by sea can open up lesser-visited places such as Paracas in Peru and Manta in Ecuador, while farther south, the glaciers of Chile create an entirely different landscape. Culture is equally central to the experience. Chiloé Island offers a glimpse into distinctive local folklore and architecture, while sailing through the Strait of Magellan and around Cape Horn connects travelers with waterways that played an important role in the history of exploration.
Explore India and Sri Lanka
In India and Sri Lanka, traveling by river offers an opportunity to experience everyday life and centuries of tradition from a unique vantage point.
Along India’s Hooghly River, temples, historic towns, and communities unfold along the riverbanks. In Murshidabad, travelers can enjoy high tea at Kathgola Palace, while elsewhere, journeys can include classical Bharatanatyam performances and visits to architectural landmarks such as the approximately 1,200-year-old stepwell in Abhaneri.
The experience can extend far beyond the river. Travelers may visit Agra and Jaipur or venture into Panna National Park in search of Bengal tigers. In Sri Lanka, excursions can showcase the country’s natural side at the Muthurajawela Wetlands and Bird Sanctuary and Minneriya National Park, known for its elephants and birdlife. Traditional Kandyan dance offers another connection to the island’s cultural heritage.
Related – What Kind of European River Cruiser Are You?
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours pairs these experiences with ultra-luxury river cruising, allowing you to explore the region while avoiding some of the logistical challenges of navigating such vast destinations independently. There’s an adventure out there for every kind of traveler, and the journey only makes the destination that much more exciting.
—NC
