Extraordinary Journeys, the luxury travel specialist and award-winning tour operator renowned for creating highly personalized, one-of-a-kind adventures around the world, unveils seven water-inspired travel destinations to visit in 2025, including Laos, India, Madagascar, Chile, Vietnam, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
“We’re embracing the power of water in 2025 because it’s a force that connects us all, culturally, physically, and spiritually,” explains Elizabeth Gordon, CEO of Extraordinary Journeys. “Water’s waves and currents have shaped the landscapes, traditions, and ways of life in these seven extraordinary destinations. From serene backwaters and mighty rivers to pristine coastlines, we invite travelers to experience the transformative essence of water for themselves this year.”
In an age where so many destinations are experiencing over-tourism, Extraordinary Journeys designs adventures that push clients just outside their comfort zone, seeking alternative destinations and experiences, blending unique accommodations, iconic sites, and local secrets, and the adventures below are no different.
This year has been an incredible year of growth for Extraordinary Journeys as the company expanded its portfolio to include several additional vibrant destinations outside of Africa, from the diverse landscapes of Brazil and Uruguay in South America to the beauty and rich cultural heritage of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, and Cambodia. Extraordinary Journeys is thrilled to offer travelers even more opportunities to connect with the world in meaningful ways.
Nestled among tree-cloaked mountains where the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers meet, the UNESCO-listed city of Luang Prabang offers a serene escape infused with spiritual and cultural richness. Extraordinary Journeys' thoughtfully curated itineraries go beneath the surface, revealing the destination’s timeless charm, underrated adventure, scenic beauty, and flavorful cuisine through a local lens. Begin the day by joining a serene almsgiving ceremony, savoring a quiet moment with local monks. Dive into Lao cuisine during a private cooking class with a local family, followed by a village visit to sample regional delicacies. For those looking for more adventure, hike scenic trails to the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfalls, and pass through local villages along the way, or walk alongside Asian elephants at a local sanctuary, and explore the sacred Pak Ou Caves. For an even deeper adventure, sail the Mekong aboard the luxurious Gypsy Cruise, gliding past remote villages en route to Northern Thailand.
Itinerary Inspiration: Laos & Thailand Overland Adventure
Separated by the Western Ghats, Kerala boasts a unique culture shaped by centuries of cultural fusion. Extraordinary Journeys suggests cruising its emerald backwaters on an eco-friendly houseboat or relaxing on palm-fringed Arabian Sea beaches. Inland, lush tea plantations and wildlife reserves, such as Periyar, offer encounters with tigers and elephants. Stay at the historic Brunton Boatyard and rejuvenate with traditional Ayurveda treatments.
Itinerary Inspiration: India Holiday: North to South
Madagascar offers a totally unique wildlife adventure, home to 90% endemic species, including lemurs and baobab trees. For those wanting a non-traditional wildlife viewing experience, look no further than Mandrare River Camp, where you can observe five species of lemur, including the iconic ringtail and the critically endangered Verraux's Sifaka. Escape to a private slice of paradise at Miavana, an exclusive sanctuary on Nosy Ankao, a small island off the northeastern shore of Madagascar. Lapped by turquoise waters, spend your days diving and snorkeling beneath the waves and your nights in total luxury at one of its 14 breathtaking sea-view villas.
Itinerary Inspiration: Madagascar: Lemurs, Rainforest, & Beach
With its iconic moai heads punctuating a sweeping landscape of lava-sculpted terrain, Rapa Nui is one of a kind. A remote Chilean island adrift in the Pacific, Rapa Nui (as it's known to locals) is a cultural marvel, with experts still scratching their heads about a) how the Polynesians moved its iconic 10-ton sculptures around the island and b) why they canoed thousands of miles to get to there in the first place. From Explora Rapa Nui, a peaceful luxury lodge with a reputation for excellent experiences (the guided hikes across the island help paint a picture of its mysterious history), you'll learn about the island through some of the best guides in the business. Uncover parts of the puzzle, day by day, bit by bit, through journeys such as clifftop bike rides to the island’s lava tubes and caves, and visits to the Rano Raraku quarry, where the moai were carved. Since the pandemic, flights have become sporadic, meaning fewer crowds on the island. Now is the time to see it, the tranquility only adding to its mystique.
Itinerary Inspiration: Atacama & Easter Island Explored
Quy Nhon is perfect for those ready to step off the beaten path and embrace Vietnam’s serene coastal beauty. Located in Vietnam’s Binh Dinh province, Quy Nhon offers a tranquil and adventurous alternative to Vietnam's busier tourist hubs. Accessible via a scenic six-hour train ride aboard the Vietage from Hoi An or direct flights from Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, this quiet coastal haven features deserted beaches, serene fishing villages, and a soothing pace of life. Often overlooked in favor of better-known destinations, Extraordinary Journeys invites travelers to discover Quy Nhon’s charm through local guided tours of fishing communities, countryside cycling and stays at Zannier Bai San Ho, a luxury beach resort located on a secluded peninsula with stunning views and a deep connection to nature.
Itinerary Inspiration: Vietnam Active Adventure
Looking to truly get off the beaten track? This is it. The Skeleton Coast of northern Namibia is breathtakingly desolate. Littered with shipwrecks and bleached animal bones, its beauty is raw and incredibly powerful. Despite its stark, inhospitable landscape, wildlife has adapted here. Visitors have the chance to see elephant, giraffe, brown hyena, and even lion, which have learned to live in Namibia’s extreme desert conditions. Only a handful of properties have access to this remote stretch of Southern Africa: Shipwreck Lodge is one of the best. Plus, the drive from the camp to the coast is quick—it’s just 28 miles to Mowe Bay. Moving through eerie empty riverbeds, bone-dry floodplains, and soaring sand dunes, arrive at the end of the world: the Atlantic, thrashing and churning, towering sandbanks, and not another soul in sight.
Itinerary Inspiration: Icons of Namibia
If adventure is on the agenda, look no further than Mana Pools National Park, where safaris come with an added dose of adrenaline. Though not for the faint of heart, the conditions here (and the exceptional guides, some of the industry's best) allow for some intense, up close and personal encounters with very large animals, such as elephants, hippo, and buffalo. The scenery, too, is epic. Carved out by the powerful currents of the Zambezi River, the park is a rugged mix of islands, oxbow lakes, and channels in northern Zimbabwe.
From the Mana Pools side of the river, Zambia's imposing escarpments stand out in full view. The proximity to water attracts wildlife in great numbers, and you can hope to see elephant, lions, leopard, hippo, crocodiles, and, if you’re very lucky, wild dog. Extraordinary Journeys recommends staying at Ruckomechi Camp in a private concession on the banks of the Zambezi for a wonderful experience that combines wildlife and luxury.
Itinerary Inspiration: Zimbabwe's Hidden Gems
Extraordinary Journeys invites travelers to explore the transformative power of water in 2025, discovering its beauty and significance across these eight unique destinations.
To start planning a trip of your own visit: https://extraordinaryjourneys.com/
