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  • Writer's pictureBlaycation Travel
    • Jan 12, 2021

What's on your Travel Bucket List? 2021 and beyond...



Living through a pandemic has sparked a re-evaluation of traveller’s priorities and attitudes. For many of us confined to our homes during lockdown, it has been a time to make plans and dream up the kind of big bucket-list trips we never normally get around to planning. Writing our bucket lists is one of those things that gives us something to look forward to in the future and if you haven’t done one yet, this should be your first New Year’s Eve resolution. To get you started, here are a few questions you should ask yourself; questions that will help you identify your travel style and help your travel advisor create the perfect trip for you!

  • What are some things that you really want to achieve in your lifetime?

  • Which skills do you want to develop, or parts of yourself do you want to build on?

  • How intense of an adventure do you want?

  • What balance of culture, nature and adventure is best for you?

  • What are your hobbies? Which activities do you enjoy?

  • Which kinds of environment do you enjoy the most?

  • Are you comfortable in large groups, or do you prefer quiet atmospheres far way from big crowds?

  • Is there anything that’s a no-go for you? Extreme cold, for example, or heights?

  • What level of luxury are you looking for from your accommodation?

  • Do you prefer staying in one location or travel across country?

  • What is your preferred length for a trip to last?

There are various considerations of this kind to take into account before writing your bucket list. Take the time to think them through, and perhaps write a few notes to keep them in mind when you’re in the brainstorming stage.

This way you will be able to choose destinations and activities that actually suit your personality, rather than being attracted by the most popular trips that might not actually be the best for you. Yes, many people might have diving in the Great Barrier Reef on their bucket lists, but if you’re claustrophobic under water, then it’s probably not for you!


But don’t be afraid to extend your horizons and allow yourself to think about the epic trips you want to take some day. Then get planning for 2021 and beyond!



Here’s some inspiration to get you going. Our Road trip journeys are always tailor made to you and your travel companions and will be adapted to your travel goals and personal interest. Our sample itineraries are intended to give you a flavour of what we can do. Each program includes 24/7 concierge support, carefully selected luxury boutique hotels with a "local flair", unique experiences and private tours during your journey. We will also help you navigate the new rules of travel and will be on top of every evolving element related to your trip.


If you want to find out more and receive a tailor-made proposal, give us a call or write to us! We're here for you!

contact@blaycationtravel.com or +4915145740253 / +1 (902) 441-5664

www.blaycationtravel.com

#blaycationtravel #thegreatoutdoors #wildernessculture #roadtrip #adventuretravels #missingtravelling #bucketlistadventures


 

Sultanate of Oman

Off-Road Expedition following the footsteps of infamous explorers

This expedition will lead the travellers in the footsteps of Simbad - the Sailer, Ibn Battuta - the infamous explorer, Sir Wilfried Thesiger, the first western explorer to cross the eastern sands of the Empty Quarters, and great travel writers. It is a unique adventure inspired from the historic journey that was once made by the Sultan in 1955 from Salalah, in the South, to Muscat, in the North - the first crossing of the Omani desert by motorcar - depicted by a great travel writer Jan Morris, who took part in this trip, when the winds of change were beginning to blow across the Sultanate of Oman.

This road trip gives the traveller access to the Essence of Oman, experiencing it's hidden treasures, exploring diverse landscapes from desert, sea, mountains and wadis, with a range of unique activities and sleeping arrangements from luxury hotels, eco-lodge, luxury camping to 4x4 rooftop camp.

Highlights of your trip:


· Discover Salalah, the capital city of southern Oman's Dhofar province. It's known for its banana plantations, Arabian Sea beaches and waters teeming with sea life. The Khareef, an annual monsoon, transforms the desert terrain into a lush, green landscape and creates seasonal waterfalls. The Frankincense Land Museum, part of the Al Balid Archaeological Site, recounts the city’s maritime history and role in the spice trade.

· Diving or Snorkelling Trip through the magnificent Hillaniyat island, the largest island in the area, island contains some ancient sites.

· These islands are characterized by an enormous range in elevation, embracing deserts, highlands and islands, springs, bays and headlands. They are home to large groups of turtles, birds and Arabian humbpack whales.

· Journey through Jebel Qara Mountains towards the lost city of Ubar, the sunken Atlantis of the desert, and enter the Empty Quarters, Rub Al Khalid Desert for a 2-days off-road expedition in the desert, surrounded by 200m high dunes, plunging you into the Bedouin way of life.

· Follow a panoramic road towards Wadi Shuwaymiah, a canyon with bizarre rock structures and snow white sand dunes. Let your dinner be prepared by local fisherman cooking a delicious 'catch of day' on the grill.

· Discover Barr Al Hickmann, Oman's vital centre for biodiversity and the most critically important area for waterbirds in the West Asian East African flyway, sustaining to a half million waterbirds such as flamingos.

· Have fun dune bashing in the coastal Sugar Dunes, unfolded miles of untouched ivory desert. The area is also great for kite surfing.

· Learn about turtle conservation at the Ras Al Jinz Turtle Reserve

· Adventure yourself in Wadi Tiwi, adjacent to the very popular Wadi Shab but unique in its own way with numerous farms and plantations dotting the wadi, and a stunning pool deep inside towards Mibam village.

· Explore Muscat. Visit Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque and venture through the narrow streets of the Muttrah Souq.

· Swim in the large pools of turquoise and emerald colored waters of Wadi Bani Khalid, lined with lush green palm trees.

· Traverse the Wahiba Sands to spend a night in an authentic desert camp with local cuisine and entertainment.

· Drive towards Jebel Akhdar mountains, discover the Saiq Plateau, 400-year old villages and forts, and learn about date plantations and the old Falaj irrigation system.

· Your way back to Muscat offers an exhilarating off-road ride through Wadi Awf. Visit the hot springs of Nakhl and stop at charming villages.


 

A life enriching journey - Conservation safari expedition.

A taste of KA-ZA.

The KAvango-ZAmbezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KA-ZA TFCA) is the largest contiguous nature reserve on earth with an area of ​​approx. 520,000 km2. The countries of Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe have set themselves the task of promoting the sustainable development of tourism and the economy and the conservation of biodiversity by combining a total of 36 national parks, nature reserves and reserves. KA-ZA TFCA is home to numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites: The Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta and Tsodilo Hills.The Okavango River rises in the highlands of Angola and is fanned out in the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

This is a Safari without borders, an unforgettable journey of species protection trip to the Kavango-Zambezi Nature Reserve passing through Namibia, Botswana & Zambia.

Highlights of your trip:


· ​Your expedition will start at the Stanley and Livingstone Boutique Hotel, with a visit to the magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the world. The adrenaline junkies can partake in activities such as bungee jumping, ziplining over the gorge or taking a helicopter flip over the falls to witness the beauty of the natural wonder from above.

· You will then be transferred to the Belmond Savute Elephant Lodge where you will spend 2 nights. Beside the mysterious Savute Channel, this tented oasis is the perfect base to discover the wonders of Chobe National Park. Followed by 3 nights at the Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, at the heart of the Okavango Delta.

· You journey will then continue in Namibia, where you will experience the exclusive Sossus Under Canvas camp in the Sossusvlei area. The Camp Sossus is built in a naturally formed amphitheatre of a south-facing granite outcrop within striking distance of Sossusvlei, and is ideally positioned to avoid the harsh desert sun. As a result of this design, the camp is virtually invisible from any distance and, together with Camp Huab, it carries the lowest environmental footprint of any camp in Namibia.

oMagical excursion with your guide into the Namib Naukluft National Park, entering the Park gates at sunrise to capture the dunes whilst the light is soft and shadows accentuate their towering shapes and curves. This area boasts some of the highest free-standing sand dunes in the world. Your guide will give you an insight on the formation of the Namib Desert and its myriad of fascinating creatures and plants that have adapted to survive these harsh environs

· The expedition continues to Damaraland area, staying at Mowani Mountain Camp to search for desert adapted elephants in the area, and visit an authentic Himba village in Sesfontein. Damaraland Camp is the successful result of a partnership between Wilderness Safaris and the Torra Conservancy and has become an inspiration for communities and conservationists throughout Africa. In addition, the camp has been built to be as eco-friendly as possible, minimising its environmental footprint and expressing our vision

o​Visit the geological site of the pre-historic Twyfelfontein rock engravings (a UNESCO World Heritage Site).

oVisit an authentic Himba settlement – you may have to search for a while as the semi-nomadic Himba people sometimes move location with no notice. Your guide’s presence and contacts with the local community will ensure you will be welcomed as a ‘friend of a friend’ and that you will be able to spend considerable time there learning about these fascinating nomadic pastoralists. There has been virtually no modern influence on these communities, which makes for a fascinating cultural exchange. Here you will learn about the customs and traditions of this very proud nation, and will be given insight into their beliefs, way of life and everyday routine.

oExciting 4x4 excursion along the ephemeral Aba Huab and Huab River valleys to explore this remarkable region and to search for game, including the elusive desert adapted elephants if they are in the area.

· From here you will then go to Desert Rhino Camp where you will have the opportunity to track Rhino and learn more about the Save The Rhino Trust.

o​You will embark on an exciting Rhino Tracking activity on foot with the Safe The Rhino Trust, returning to the lodge during the heat of the day. You also can embark on scheduled afternoon drives and nature walks with your guide, as offered by the lodge.

· After 2 nights here you will travel to the southern boundary of Etosha, visiting a Himba Living Museum en route, arriving at Anderssons at Ongava in the late evening. Anderssons at Ongava are very active in Research and Conservation a lot much to learn here.

o​Memorable morning game drive within the southern section of Etosha National Park with your guide. You return to camp for lunch and an early afternoon rest, spending your final afternoon on a game drive on the private Ongava Game Reserve.

· After Anderssons, you will then go to Okonjima - the AfriCat Foundation for a 2-night stay to learn more about the cat conservation work done here, before ending with a final night in Windhoek.

Another memorable guided activity to learn more about the conservation work done on Okonjima, before you return to the Bush Camp for a sumptuous brunch. Your early afternoon can be spent relaxing by the swimming pool overlooking the waterhole and enjoying the tranquillity of the sun until you go out on another AfriCat excursion after ‘coffee and cake’ in the afternoon.


 

An epic adventure at the bottom of the world.

Patagonia, adventure of a Lifetime.

In the following itinerary we have included some of our favorite places in Argentina and Chile, as well as a variety of experiences we know will add context and texture to this trip.

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From the vibrant capital cities of Buenos Aires and Santiago, with their leafy parks, plazas, rich museums, and world-class restaurants, to the remote landscapes of the Patagonia region. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the sights, sounds, food and nature of these locations in the company of professional, knowledgeable guides.

Begin this trip in Santiago, Chile’s capital and largest metropolis. Then travel south to visit Chilean Patagonia, near Torres del Paine National Park. This park is home to guanacos, foxes, pumas and over 100 bird species. Singular Patagonia Hotel offers several guided expeditions so you can discover the region’s ancient glaciers, grasslands, and lakes at your own pace.

Continue your trip across the Argentinian border, where you will be able to explore the Perito Moreno glacier and other wonders of the southern ice fields, ride horses at a traditional Estancia, and have a closer look at the ‘gaucho life’.

Navigate the Valdes Peninsula to observe marine mammals and penguins in their natural habitat, before flying to the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires. Enjoy the last days of your South American journey visiting Buenos Aires’ best restaurants, cultural landmarks, and learn about its history with a local, specialized guide.

Highlights of your trip:

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· Your journey starts in Santiago, Chile. Privately guided tour of Santiago’s most noteworthy historical and cultural sites. Possible stops include the City Center, Santa Lucia Hill, and San Cristobal Hill. This tour takes approximately four hours and can be adapted to fit your interests.

· Fly from Santiago (SCL) to Puerto Natales. The hotel where you will be staying for 4 nights, is the transition between our small existence and the majestic, eternal surroundings. Declared national heritage in 1996, The lodge, is a unique historic destination, set in a privilege setting and location which position it as one of the best in the south. Live a luxurious experience in what is known as the end of the world route.

· Full-day tour of Torres del Paine National Park. Driving north with several scenic stops along the way, enter Torres del Paine National Park. Take a hike to the Big Falls (Salto Grande), visit the colorful lakes of Nordenskjold, Sarmiento, Pehoe and Grey and witness the icebergs calving from the glacier.

· Activities available: Hiking, a horseback riding tour at one of the nearby estancias, or cycling around Laguna Sofia.

· Cruise to the Serrano and Balmaceda glaciers. You may spot sea lions near the waterfalls in the fjord. Enjoy lunch at Estancia Peninsula, followed by a sheep shearing.

· Transfer to El Calafate, Argentina. Check in for a two-night stay at a historic Estancia, 12,000-hectare ranch on the south shore of Lago Argentino, now within the limits of Los Glaciares National Park. The gabled, main house was constructed more than 100 year ago by Croatian immigrant Santiago Peso. The name “Nibepo” is a contraction of the nicknames of three Peso children: Nini, Bebe, and Porota. Aike is a Tehuelche word meaning “place” or “home”.

· Guests can explore the estancia’s hiking trails. Loaner bicycles are available, and horseback rides can be arranged. Nibepo Aike is a working ranch, with more than 200 Herefords, as well as sheep and horses. Sheep shearing and cow milking demonstrations are offered, and gaucho horse-training techniques can be observed seasonally. Meals are prepared with family recipes using fruits, vegetables, herbs, and meat produced on the ranch. Traditional Patagonian barbecue ( asado) is offered regularly.

· Depart to the Los Glaciares National Park—a scenic drive of approximately 45 minutes. En route, you may see guanacos (cinnamon-colored camelids), foxes, hawks, eagles, condors, and flamingos. Reaching the Corner of Sighs, you will get your first full view of Perito Moreno Glacier. The glacier itself is over 18 miles long, reaching sheer heights of more than 200 feet. After reaching the trailhead, explore the walkways that overlook the glacier and Lake Argentino. Afterwards, take time with your private guide to view the glacier from the network of walkways and viewpoints on the Magellan Peninsula.

· Fly from El Calafate (FTE) to Trelew (REL). Check in for a three-night stay at a Boutique Hotel within a working sheep ranch (an estancia) on the coast of Argentine Patagonia.

· Privately guided visit to the on-property wildlife communities in near solitude. The Punta Ninfas elephant seal and penguin colonies.

· Full day whale-watching navigation tour. From August to December, southern right whales can be found in the waters and even seen from the shores.

· Fly from Trelew (REL) to Buenos Aires (AEP). Take a privately guided biking tour to visit the famous Palermo parks. This tour takes approximately two hours and can be adapted to fit your interests. Most visitors request time at the Cathedral and Plaza de Mayo, the port neighborhood of La Boca, the botanical gardens, and the Recoleta Cemetery.


 

Discover the Winelands of Argentina.

From Mendoza to Salta, ending at the Iguaçu Falls

Probably our best selling road trip tour, which is understandable when you consider the sheer variety of landscapes - sultry vineyards, high altitude deserts, salt flats, towering mountain ranges, and bright red valleys. Vibrant Andean communities and colonial cities give this tour a fascinating cultural angle which, added to the scenery, makes this road trip one of the most rewarding in South America.