Travel is not only a reward for hard work and managing your finances well, it can also be enriching, providing new perceptions, experiences and understanding.
Planning your next adventure is at least half of the fun, so here are a few awesome ideas to whet your taste buds.
SNORKELLING in the Galapagos Islands. Formed from volcanoes erupting out of the sea, these islands are where Charles Darwin founded his theory of evolution. Small charter boats can take you to the more remote islands where you can commune with the famous blue-footed boobies and other land creatures and snorkel with penguins, seals, and marine iguanas – not to mention the occasional shark.
EXPERIENCE one of the most spectacular wildlife events on the planet by being part of the wildebeest migration throughout the Serengeti and Masai Mara African ecosystems. Stay in one of the Serengeti’s mobile camps and watch the action as over 2 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle do their stuff.
WATCH the sunrise over Machu Picchu. Yes, it’s easier to take a bus up to the famous city of the Incas, but if you’ve got the stamina (and legs) for it, why not trek there via the Inca Trail and arrive in time to watch the sunrise over the city? Along with amazing scenery, you’ll get to walk some of the roads (and steps!) built by the Incas and see some of the other towns, fortifications and terracing along the way.
SWIM and snorkel between the Eurasian and American tectonic plates in Iceland or soak up the geothermal waters in the milky Blue Lagoon. With everything from geysers and volcanoes to glaciers and the Northern Lights, Iceland has it all.
MARVEL at the magnificence of the Himalayas while trekking in the Everest region. Make your way to Base Camp or try one of the less-populated treks such as the trek to Gokyo Ri which boasts one of the best views of Everest in the region.
RAFT Australia’s mighty Franklin River in Tasmania’s own world heritage wilderness area. It’s a true adventure in one of the world’s last wild rivers. Several tour operators offer small group trips if your white-water rafting skills are non-existent.
GET UP CLOSE and personal with penguins in Antarctica. Along with the opportunity to visit penguin rookeries, visitors can try activities like sea-kayaking, camping, and ice and rock climbing. Do it in comfort via a major cruise liner, or try something more adventurous such as booking a smaller ship. They may lack some of the facilities but smaller ships generally mean more time onshore. If you’ve got the experience and ability, charting a private yacht is also an option, but you’ll have to pay for it.
Or ditch all of these and dream up your own adventure. But don’t forget to talk to your financial adviser before you go. They can not only help you save for that once-in-a-lifetime experience, but ensure your finances are worry-free through protection while you’re enjoying it.
Brought to you by Affinia Financial Advisers Limited