Beyond the Bucket List: Four alternative, once-in-a-lifetime journeys

Forget the usual bucket list. Specialist small-group tour operator Undiscovered Destinations has selected five remarkable journeys designed for travellers looking to venture beyond the obvious and experience places that remain largely untouched by mainstream tourism.

"Many people dream of ticking off the world's most famous sights, but some of the most memorable travel experiences happen in places that few people ever think to visit. These tours are about looking beyond the obvious and discovering cultures, landscapes and traditions that remain wonderfully authentic. They're genuine bucket-list experiences for travellers who want to come home with stories that few people can tell." Rhia Steele, Product & Operations Supervisor at Undiscovered Destinations

Ancient spirits and living traditions in West Africa

This fascinating journey through Ghana, Togo and Benin reveals ancient beliefs that remain woven into everyday life. Travelling from the stilt village of Ganvié and the historic kingdom of Abomey to Lomé’s remarkable fetish market, the tour culminates at Ouidah’s vibrant annual Voodoo Festival, where drumming, dancing and fire rituals create one of Africa’s most compelling cultural celebrations. Along the way, discover the Ashanti kingdom in Kumasi and Ghana’s poignant coastal forts, combining history, living traditions and warm local hospitality into an unforgettable West African experience.
Ghana, Togo & Benin Voodoo Festival Tour – 16 days from £4,395 pp (two sharing). Includes accommodation, transport, most meals, entrance fees and experienced English-speaking local leaders. International flights extra. Departs 27 December 2026, 6 January 2027 & 12 January 2028.

Bhutan’s festivals: where tradition sets the rhythm

Hidden among the Himalayas, Bhutan continues to follow its own path, where Buddhism, conservation and centuries-old traditions shape everyday life. Depending on the departure date, experience one of four remarkable festivals, from the colourful Punakha Tsechu and intimate Ura Festival to Tangbi Mani or the Black-Necked Crane Festival in the beautiful Phobjikha Valley. Each offers a rare opportunity to witness living traditions in one of the world’s most distinctive and carefully protected destinations.
Bhutan Festival Tour – 13 days from £3,595 pp (two sharing; single room supplement £400). Includes local transport, internal flights, accommodation, most meals, entrance fees and expert local guides. International flights extra. Departs 20 September 2026, 15 February & 13 April 2027, 9 October & 3 November 2027.

Island-hopping across one of the world’s last frontiers

Few travellers ever visit many of the islands featured on this extraordinary journey across the Pacific. Explore Kiribati’s wartime heritage, Samoa’s volcanic scenery and traditions, Tonga’s island culture and the Solomon Islands’ blend of natural beauty and history. The adventure culminates in Papua New Guinea’s Wahgi Valley among tribal Mudmen communities after witnessing the spectacular Mount Yasur volcano in Vanuatu. It is an epic voyage through some of the planet’s most remote cultures and landscapes.
Pacific Islands Explorer – 28 days from £24,950 pp (two sharing). Includes transfers, accommodation, regional flights, transport throughout, most meals, entrance fees and local English-speaking guides. International flights extra. Departs 14 July 2027.

The wild card: vibrant, visa-free Angola

One of Africa’s least-known destinations, Angola is a true wild card adventure for those seeking somewhere far beyond the usual routes. With visa-free access helping to open the country to more visitors, this journey offers a rare chance to experience Angola as it begins to welcome international travellers. Discover the beguiling coastal capital of Luanda, the dramatic Serra da Leba pass and the vast desert landscapes of Namibe, alongside ancient rock engravings, remarkable history and insights into the country’s independence, recovery and conservation efforts.
Angola Unveiled – 13 days from £5,495 pp (two sharing; single room supplement £470). Includes local transport, internal flights, accommodation, some meals, entrance fees and expert local guides. International flights extra. Departs 16 September 2026, 20 June & 3 October 2027, 6 August 2028.

For further information on the full range of tours, call 0191 2962674 or visit www.undiscovered-destinations.com.

Sister company Adventures By Train specialises in a collection of sustainable, escorted small-group tours that allow travellers to explore the world from the comfort of a first-class train carriage, with stays in luxury hotels. Tours include the world’s first 100-day tour by train departing on 14 March 2027 with prices from £112,900 per person, with a couples’ discount based on two sharing from £89,950 pp.