In a world filled with extraordinary wonders, we have handpicked a selection of the most coveted, once-in-a-lifetime destinations—each offering rare, luxurious experiences designed to awaken your sense of adventure and indulge your love of exploration.

You can access amazing offers on these incredible experiences in Expedia Cruises’ Elite Explorer’s Collection, available July 28 – Aug 15!

Here’s our list of the seven most exotic bucket list destinations that will ignite your wanderlust and inspire your next adventure!

1. Africa

Step into a world where untamed beauty meets refined luxury. Africa offers a vacation experience like no other, where sunrise game drives reveal the Big Five – lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and African buffalo – and evenings are spent in elegant lodges under clear skies where the stars shine bright. Fly into Nairobi and venture into Kenya, the birthplace of the classic safari on a 6 to 8-day luxury safari. Experience the thrill of the game drives through the legendary Maasai Mara, especially during the Great Migration when millions of animals cross the plains. The best time to visit Africa’s premier safari destinations is during the dry season – June to October – when wildlife is most visible and the landscape is stunning.

2. Antarctica

Vastly untouched and utterly mesmerizing, Antarctica is the pinnacle of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Most luxury expeditions range from 10 to 14 days, offering just the right amount of time to explore this region in depth. Fly directly from Punta Arenas, Chile into Antarctica on a chartered plane to avoid the Drake Passage or begin your journey in Ushuaia, Argentina – the world’s southernmost city – and board a luxury expedition ship designed for adventure and indulgence. Your expert guides will lead you to unforgettable moments as you toast champagne from the deck and enjoy intimate encounters with penguins, whales and seals amongst the landscape of towering glaciers and the raw beauty of nature.

3. Amazon River

Experience an immersive encounter with the world’s largest and most biodiverse rainforest – the Amazon. Ideal itineraries range from 7 to 10 days, allowing ample time to glide through lush jungles and vibrant ecosystems of the Amazon River. The journey offers the unique opportunity to witness extraordinary wildlife and explore remote indigenous communities deeply connected to nature. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to December as the river levels allows for comfortable navigation and wildlife is more prominent. Fly into Manaus, Brazil, the gateway to the river where luxury river cruises and unique eco-lodges promise an experience that blends adventure with sustainability.

4. Kimberley, Australia

Discover one of the world’s last true wilderness frontiers, where ancient landscapes, dramatic gorges, and cascading waterfalls create a truly unique backdrop. The remote region in the northern part of Western Australia offers an extraordinary blend of raw natural beauty and refined luxury. Most travelers fly into Broome, Western Australia, the gateway to the Kimberley, before embarking on a 10-day intimate small-ship cruise sailing along the rugged coastline including stops at Ashmore Reef and disembarking in Darwin. Explore the spectacular Horizontal Falls, witness ancient Aboriginal rock art, and soak in the sunsets over the towering red cliffs in the Buccaneer Archipelago. The best time to visit is from May to October, the dry season when weather conditions are ideal for exploration.

5. Geographic North Pole

Venture to the Geographic North Pole – the northernmost point on Earth – and experience one of the most rare and exclusive journeys in the world. Ideal for seasoned explorers, these Arctic expeditions typically range from 10 to 20 days for the perfect balance of immersive adventure and refined comfort. Accessible only during the Arctic summer months, from June to August, this extraordinary adventure begins with a flight to Oslo, Norway, where you will be chartered to embarkation points such as Tromso or Longyearbyen or explore the Northwest Passage from Reykjavik, Iceland to Anchorage, Alaska depending on the itinerary. Witness polar bears in their natural habitat and take zodiac landings to remote, untouched shores. The Arctic offers a rare blend of raw, pristine beauty and curated elegance, designed for those who seek adventure with sophistication.

6. Greenland

Greenland offers a captivating blend of dramatic landscapes, rich culture, and untamed natural beauty, perfect for travelers seeking active exploration and adventure with a touch of luxury. Head north to Nuuk and you will find that Greenland offers its most remote and rugged character, where towering icebergs, colorful villages and enduring Inuit heritage create an unforgettable atmosphere. Expedition cruises, typically ranging from 11 to 15 days, offer access to hidden fjords, glacier-lined coasts, and exclusive visits to remote communities like Sisimiut or Kangaamiut that few have visited. Adventurous travelers can even embark on heli-hiking excursions in Evighedsfjord, to witness the raw, untamed beauty of the Arctic. The best time to visit is from June to September, when daylight is long and conditions are ideal for exploring.

7. French Polynesia, South Pacific

Surrender to the allure of the South Pacific, where the turquoise lagoons and lush volcanic peaks create the ultimate escape. Several cruise lines offer exceptional 10-day itineraries, including stops in Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea, Taha’a, Huahine and even the remote atoll of Fakarava, home to a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Most travelers arrive in Papeete, Tahiti, the main gateway to the region, and set off on a journey through idyllic islands. The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to October when the weather is sunny and humidity is low, and the water is perfect for snorkeling and diving. The South Pacific isn’t just a destination, it’s a true paradise, a dream brought to life with elegance and exclusivity.

Our Elite Explorer’s Collection, July 28 – Aug 15, is the perfect opportunity to book your bucket-list adventure. You can access amazing offers during this time on spectacular vacations with our leading travel partners including like African Travel, Azamara Cruises, Explora Journeys, HX, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Seabourn Cruise Line, Silversea Cruises, and Viking.

As your local travel experts, we are ready to make your travel dreams a reality. We provide expert advice on booking every aspect of your epic adventure, so you can enjoy a stress-free vacation experience and fully embrace the excitement ahead.

Check out the amazing offers in our Elite Explorer’s Collection and start planning a trip-of-a-lifetime now!