According to Booking.com’s Travel Predictions 2024 study, 52% of global travelers are keen to embrace the unknown, preferring to book trips to unknown destinations. Furthermore, 55% of travelers prefer journeys without any set plans.
In translation, modern travelers seek their own adventures, maybe not quite the adventure Jim Hawkins had in Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic Treasure Island, or Elizabeth Gilbert in the famous 2010 film Eat Pray Love, or Cheryl Strayed in the 2014 movie Wild, each based on their respective memoirs.
Many of today’s travelers want to discover new adventures away from the beaten path. And, in some cases, the adventure begins even before they check into their accommodation.
An Unforgettable Rafting Journey to Check-in
Glenn Tellier, founder of Costa Rica Immigration Experts, says Costa Rica’s tourism industry is experiencing unprecedented growth. The country expects to hit record tourist numbers in 2024.
North American tourists, specifically, significantly contributed to this surge. In 2023, the country noted a 21% increase in visitors from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. 90% of North American travelers arrived by air at Costa Rica airports.
Upon landing in Costa Rica, travelers seeking secluded and authentic experiences can head to spots like the award-winning Rios Lodge eco-lodge.
Rios Lodge offers adventures on the Pacuare River even before check-in; the lodge promises that even arrival and departure are adventures. The two-hour journey to the lodge takes travelers through the rainforest via inflatable rafts. For first-time rafters, the trek to the lodge is an unforgettable start to their Costa Rican stay.
Shoulder seasons — April and May — are the best time to visit Costa Rica, as travelers can bypass crowds and high prices. Those seeking springtime travel opportunities should book soon, as Cheap Air’s latest findings indicate that booking two to three months in advance can save travelers money.
Climbing the Rainforest Canopy To Be Alone
There is no shortage of eco-lodges in Costa Rica, and Nature Observatorio is another notable prospect that offers privacy to visitors seeking solitude.
Nature Observatorio, located within the Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, is a treehouse nestled near the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This one-of-a-kind retreat hangs more than 80 feet high in the rainforest canopy and claims the title of the largest suspended tree structure in the world.
To reach their treehouse destination, guests must trek through the rainforest for around 15 minutes before a guide secures them into a climbing harness. Assisted by a pulley system, visitors then climb up to their lodge. The same harness facilitates their descent at the end of their stay. Throughout their visit, Observatorio occupants enjoy the tranquility of nature without disruption.
Swim Underwater and Sleep With the Fishes
Stanley Safaris offers tailor-made tours to The Manta Resort, located on Pemba Island, Tanzania. The resort’s underwater room captivated global attention after becoming a viral sensation on TikTok.
This unique lodging experience offers guests an intimate view of marine life. While it has a lounge and a terrace above water, guests must swim underwater to reach the bedroom.
Manta Resort collaborated with the Blue Nature Alliance to create the Kwanini Marine Conservation Area, a no-take zone intended to preserve marine life and ensure a stay flush with abundant wildlife.
Cycle Your Way to Check-in
The Six Foot Track Eco Lodge in New South Wales, Australia, is accessible via multiple paths, including a scenic mountain bike ride from Megalong Cemetery. It offers cabins and a private campground near Katoomba, around 100 miles outside Sydney.
Those preferring to walk utilize a 5-mile, 10-mile, and 17-mile trail from different directions. Each path offers a unique adventure through Australia’s stunning landscapes, making the journey part of the experience.
3-Day Trekking To Reach Your Hotel
The journey to Hotel Everest View in Nepal is an awe-inspiring, albeit tiring, three-day trek beginning at Lukla and moving through Sherpa villages, forests, and suspension bridges.
The first leg leads to Phakding, the next phase ascends to Namche Bazaar, and the final stretch goes through the Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to arrive at Hotel Everest View.
This trek offers a chance to experience the majestic beauty of the Himalayas and connects trekkers with the vibrant Sherpa culture.
A Historic Getaway Only Accessible via Cable Car or Cogwheel Rail
Perched nearly 7,000 feet (2,132 meters) above sea level, Hotel Pilatus in Kulm is a testament to the allure of the Swiss Alps, offering guests a multifaceted mountain experience.
The breathtaking summit is accessible year-round exclusively by way of aerial cableways. From May to November, the hotel offers the option to ascend via the world’s steepest cogwheel railway.
This historic hotel, built in 1890, ensures that panoramic vistas in each room are at their maximum, allowing guests to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the Swiss mountains from almost any angle.
Sleigh Rides and Speakeasy Dinners With a Secret Password
While Lake Clear Lodge is not known for its isolation, it remains a spot worth mentioning. The long-time family-owned lodge lies within the Adirondacks and offers an escape to the bygone era of the Roaring ’20s.
The past comes alive at Lake Clear Lodge, where guests enjoy family recipes, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and a treasure hunt for the hidden recipe of their honey bourbon. Travelers immerse themselves in authenticity with original speakeasy menus and family-built, cozy lodgings.
Each winter booking includes a horse-drawn sleigh ride, an exploration of one of the last original Adirondack Lodges, and a 1920s speakeasy dinner, the latter of which requires a password for entry.
Global travelers yearn to explore the uncharted in this era of secluded and unique accommodations. From rafting to remote eco-lodges, swimming to underwater bedrooms, and cogwheel and sleigh rides, these experiences redefine the journey to check-in as part of the adventure.
