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SOUTH AFRICAFans of cultural immersion will love this exciting 10-day trip, where you’ll climb craggy Table Mountain in Cape Town and nose around the cultural neighbourhoods. Next, it’s on to the Western Cape Province, where you’ll get to know your trip mates over local wine and a traditional braai (barbecue) before moseying over to Hermanus, one of the best whale-watching spots in South Africa. Ramp up your heart rate along the pretty-as-a-picture Garden Route, with bungee jumping and kayaking in Storms River. Now focus on spotting all Big Five on the wide-open plains of the wildlife-rich Amakhala Game Reserve.
Few people have spent the night in a hillside Buddhist temple, but you’ll be one of them by the end of this 10-day delve into South Korea. You and your trip mates will also get a true taste of the country with a traditional cooking class in Busan and rice-based dishes such as bibimbap and makgeolli in Jeonju. In addition, you’ll see the scenery change as you whizz through the countryside by train, hike to Ulsanbawi Rock in Seoraksan National Park and cycle through the temples, rock carvings and pagodas in Gyeongju.
A dash of culture and a pinch of adventure define this sun-drenched eight-day trip along the Dalmatian Coast in Croatia. Ancient architecture makes Split a delight, as will kayaking its dazzling coast. Throwing shapes in the lively bars in Hvar will bond the solo-travel group, as will hopping on a speed boat to low-key Vis, a former military base home to Venetian courtyards and offering easy access to the dream-like Blue Cave. Taking another ferry over to Korčula is perfect for admiring the churches, monuments and beaches. Now to Dubrovnik, where the Unesco-listed Old Town hugged by Medieval stone walls steals your heart every time.
Who wouldn’t want five days in a volcanic archipelago that’s one of the foremost destinations for wildlife viewing in the world? Get up close and personal with the amazing marine life in the Galápagos as your small group kayaks in the clear blue waters of the Itabaca Channel and snorkels around the well-photographed formation of Kicker Rock. Also, get your selfie with the loveable giant tortoises at El Chato nature reserve, swim with sea lions and hike through cactus forests home to hybrid iguanas.
Adventures for solo travellers don’t get any better than this journey into the frosted landscapes of Iceland. During your five-day sightseeing spree, you’ll spend time outside soaking up the big-sky scenery in all manner of fun-filled activities. Warm yourself up in natural hot springs, keeping an eye out for the Northern Lights, after hiking the Sólheimajökull glacier. Who needs traditional sand when you have black volcanic beaches lapped by the Atlantic? Everyone will love the super jeep tour through the Golden Circle, sharing geothermal-baked bread on the way home.