Firsthand Experience, Expert Advice
Dreaming of a New Zealand adventure but can’t decide between the South and North Island? Excited about a thrilling hiking trip to Bhutan but unsure what to expect at a tshechu festival? Planning your first trip to Ireland and wondering which region is best suited to your interests? Just talk to our team of Regional Specialists—among the most well-traveled in the industry. Having joined WT trips themselves, they have firsthand knowledge to help guide you in choosing, planning, and preparing for your adventure!
Raja Ampat
“Nothing says tropical paradise like a trip to Indonesia’s pristine coral reefs of Raja Ampat. On board our own private schooner with just 10 travelers, we moved among the islands with ease and tucked into secluded coves at night. By day, the underwater world dazzled with schools of fish shimmering through the water, hard and soft corals blanketing the ocean floor, and tiny nudibranchs displaying every color of the rainbow. I couldn’t imagine experiencing the Coral Triangle of Raja Ampat any other way!”
— Carolyn Coenen, Raja Ampat Specialist
Norway’s Fjords
“The fjords of Norway are my heaven on earth. After joining Wilderness Travel, I was eager to return to my former home and experience Norway from a new perspective. The itinerary perfectly captures the region with personal touches like historical hotels, local storytellers, and home visits that bring these unreal landscapes to life. The steep fjord walls and countless cascades feel like a fairytale. It’s clear this itinerary was designed with a deep love of Norway, and it can be felt throughout all 11 days of the trip.”
— Emily Vernizzi, Norway Specialist
Patagonia
“It is no secret that Patagonia is one of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet, yet it’s impossible to capture the true beauty of this place. The iconic peak of Fitz Roy juts straight out of the earth and the turquoise waters of the glacial lakes are shockingly vibrant. Even with all of this seemingly untouched wilderness, unique wildlife, and world-class hiking, some of my favorite moments from the trip were dinners around the estancias, eating local, home-cooked food, and hearing about the history of ranching, gauchos, and the old way of life from our incredible Trip Leader, who knows this area and the locals intimately.”
— Jenn Durighello, Patagonia Specialist
Madagascar
“Madagascar is incredibly unique, and as the world’s fourth-largest island, we explored a lot of it over two weeks. In each park, we were guided by locals who had grown up in that specific region. Their ability to spot even the most well-camouflaged chameleons or frogs at night was impressive! A highlight for me was watching baby lemurs hop and swing around—they were so playful. Even finding bugs, like the quirky giraffe weevil and flatid leaf bugs, were otherworldly. There’s nowhere else you can see these endemic species!”
— Sarah Agronow, Madagascar Specialist
Palau
“You may be wondering where in the world Palau is, and it’s this mystery that makes visiting this pristine island nation in western Micronesia so unique. Our Palau trip is the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and cultural highlights—I loved waking up in our exclusive tented camps and exploring right off our private island. From the warm hospitality of the Palauan people to kayaking through tranquil lagoons to snorkeling over sunken WWII planes and ending each day with breathtaking sunsets, this trip should be on every traveler’s radar.”
— Miles Gravett, Palau Specialist
Bhutan
“Our itinerary is a perfect mix of cultural immersion and scenic hikes in a lush pocket of the Himalayas. We visit many monasteries and fortresses, with a grand finale climb to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a gorgeous piece of architecture well worth the stairs to reach it. We line up every departure with a tshechu (Buddhist festival), and on my visit, we were lucky enough to see two! As a rural country that places a lot of importance on sustainable tourism, visiting Bhutan feels less like a touristic trip and more like being a guest invited into a friend’s home.”
— Hunter Ansorge, Bhutan Specialist
Paris & Normandy
“A river cruise is the perfect way to experience Europe’s charming towns and villages. I love unpacking once and waking up each day in a new town. With included excursion options at every stop, there’s always something to discover. The highlight for me was Normandy—visiting Utah and Omaha beaches and the American Cemetery was incredibly moving. I enjoyed it so much that I’ve taken two more Europe cruises and am already planning another.”
— Carmen Gomez, Cruise Specialist
Antarctica
“I’ve had the privilege of traveling to Antarctica twice. The surreal landscape, purple and pink skies, abundance of wildlife, and remnants from explorers that came before us make Antarctica a dream destination. My favorite experience is kayaking past icebergs and among curious whales and penguins. The journey to the last continent alongside other intrepid travelers makes this an experience like no other.”
— Denise Santos, Antarctica Specialist
Central India
“My trip to central India’s wildlife reserves was magical. Hearing a tiger roar in the distance and then seeing it step into view takes your breath away. This trip provides incredible chances to observe tigers and other wildlife. Our guides were passionate and knowledgeable, enriching every moment with insights about wildlife, conservation efforts in the area, and the complex ecosystem of India’s parks. The beauty of the parks and the importance of protecting them made this trip both unforgettable and deeply meaningful.”
— Katy Andrews, India Specialist
Namibia
“My travels in Namibia never cease to awe and inspire me. Its wild landscapes feel timeless and limitless, as if they have no beginning or end. The air is alive with the enchanting aromas of south-west edelweiss, Namibian myrrh, and bitter bush, while the sounds of wildlife and ephemeral rivers create a symphony against the solitude. Our incredibly knowledgeable guides breathe life into the desert’s enchanting beauty, and our remarkable accommodations add to the sense of peace and expansiveness.”
— Jenny Gowan, Namibia Specialist
