If you’ve ever dreamed of standing where ancient forests whisper, sailing where dolphins play, or sleeping beneath skies so starry they feel within reach—2026 is calling. Intrepid Travel’s newest journeys are designed not just to show you the world, but to let you feel its pulse. From tracking living fossils in rainforests to sailing beside marine sanctuaries, here are ten unforgettable experiences that promise to reconnect you with the rhythms of the planet.
1. Meet the Gentle Giants of Costa Rica
Step into the Tapir Valley Nature Reserve on the enhanced Classic Costa Rica trip. Here, you’ll follow the fresh tracks of the tapir—a gentle, long-snouted mammal considered a “living fossil” whose ancestors roamed alongside dinosaurs. With a naturalist guide, you’ll learn how local conservationists are protecting these remarkable creatures and discover why their closest living relatives today are not what you’d expect: horses and rhinos.
2. A Starlit Family Safari in Botswana
The new Botswana Family Safari blends wilderness with wonder. Playful meerkats, habituated to human presence, greet you at the edge of the vast Ntwetwe Salt Pan. As dusk falls, the adventure continues under the boundless Makgadikgadi skies. With sunset drinks, a fireside barbecue, and cozy bedrolls laid out on the sand, it’s a magical mix of safari and starlit pillow fort that will enchant every member of the family.
3. Chase the Eclipse from Iceland to Greenland
Imagine witnessing a total solar eclipse from the deck of the Ocean Explorer, guided by world-renowned cartographer Michael Zeiler. This one-off Arctic voyage blends science, scenery, and celestial wonder. When you’re not gazing skyward, you’ll explore the icy fjords of Greenland and the vibrant streets of Reykjavik and Nuuk—a journey where cosmic timing meets raw, polar beauty.
4. A Family Adventure Through India’s Golden Triangle
On the India Golden Triangle Family Holiday, culture and wildlife collide. From Bollywood dancing and rickshaw rides to a palace sleepover, every day sparks joy. The highlight? The Jhalana Leopard Safari in the Aravalli Hills, home to over 40 leopards, their cubs, hyenas, civets, and desert foxes. It’s a trip that turns family time into storytime—perfect for future show-and-tell projects.
5. Live with Reindeer Herders in Mongolia
For an “out of office” reply that truly stands out, join the new Mongolia Expedition. Spend two weeks immersed in the northern taiga, following the Tsaatan reindeer herders. Through homestays and shared daily tasks, you’ll learn from a community that has lived in harmony with the land, their animals, and the seasons for centuries. Evenings are for swapping stories beneath a sky dense with stars.
6. From Jungle Rivers to Island Shores in Sierra Leone
The eight-day Sierra Leone Adventure feels like traveling between worlds. Drift down the Moa River into the UNESCO-protected Tiwai Island—the “Land of the Apes.” Then, unwind on the Banana Islands, where forest trails meet golden sands and the Atlantic whispers against the coast. It’s a gentle, profound escape into nature’s quieter corners.
7. Uncover Ancient Secrets in Mexico’s Riviera Maya
Proof that big adventures don’t require long timelines, the Tulum to Chichen Itza Short Break packs a punch. Sail through the Sian Ka’an Biosphere along an ancient Maya canal, wander the secluded Muyil ruins, and stand before the legendary pyramids of Chichen Itza, where echoes of the past seem to linger in the stones.
8. Ride the Rails to Conservation in Kenya
Escape to Kenya by Rail connects you to the heart of conservation. Visit the Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary Reforestation Project, where thousands of native trees are reviving land scarred by bushfires and drought. Then, venture out on morning and night safaris to see lions, giraffes, and elephants thriving in a landscape healing itself.
9. Ignite Curiosity in Slovenia’s Great Outdoors
Designed for curious teens (and their parents), the Slovenia Family Holiday trades screens for fresh air. Explore Ljubljana’s street art, bike alpine trails with views of glacial lakes, and raft through the foothills of the Julian Alps. With a local guide, hike the stunning Tolmin Gorge, where turquoise streams carve through rock—a living lesson in natural history.
10. Sail the Pristine Sporades Islands of Greece
New for 2026, the Sail Greece: Skiathos, Skopelos & Alonnisos trip is a Mediterranean dream. Visit the uninhabited island of Peristera, part of the National Marine Park of Alonissos, where marine life thrives. In Patitiri village, meet volunteers dedicated to protecting the rare monk seal, and learn how international efforts are safeguarding these gentle creatures and their crystalline home.
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Whether you’re drawn to forests, oceans, mountains, or skies, these journeys for 2026 invite you to step closer—to listen, to learn, and to remember what it feels like when nature takes the lead.
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