Bucketlist Travel For Those Bored of All-Inclusive Holidays

Let’s face it, once you’ve done one all-inclusive, it can feel like you’ve done them all. You end up eating the same food (we all know the taste of those all-inclusive desserts from the buffet that look different but taste the same!) Then chilling round the pool and watching the same sort of entertainment nights on end. While this is great fun and sometimes it’s just what you need, if you’re looking for something a bit more for your travel in 2026, you’re not alone. In this article we’ve put together a bucketlist travel for those bored of all-inclusive holidays so you can get your fix and be inspired by your next holiday. f you’re craving adventure, culture, authenticity and real travel experiences… forget the buffet and try one of these trips instead.

A Wild Alaska Expedition

If you want to feel truly disconnected from the everyday, Alaska should be at the top of your bucket list. This is travel stripped right back to nature, where you can experience towering glaciers, remote fjords, breaching whales and landscapes that make you feel just very human! Rather than sticking to crowded cruise ships, exploring Alaska by small-group charter allows you to access places few travellers ever see. Companies like Oasis Alaska Charters offer personalised experiences that let you explore hidden coves, spot wildlife up close and immerse yourself in Alaska’s untamed wilderness. It’s the kind of trip that replaces sun loungers with jaw-dropping scenery and leaves you with stories you’ll be telling for years.

An African Conservation Journey

An African conservation journey is a powerful alternative to a traditional safari holiday. Instead of simply observing wildlife from a distance, these trips allow you to actively support conservation efforts while learning about the ecosystems and communities that protect them which is super important in today’s environmental climate. Whether it’s tracking animals alongside researchers, helping with habitat restoration or spending time with local communities, this is travel with real purpose. You should go expecting to wake up early, put in some work and just have an overall experience of a lifetime.

Hiking Patagonia’s Peaks

For those who feel most alive when they’re moving, hiking Patagonia is the ultimate adventure. Home to some of the world’s most dramatic scenery, this region spans southern Chile and Argentina and offers challenging trails, glacier-fed lakes and iconic mountain peaks. Multi-day hikes through Torres del Paine or around Mount Fitz Roy are tough, but incredibly rewarding. This is not a holiday for switching off completely — it’s about pushing yourself physically, embracing the elements and soaking up landscapes that feel almost unreal.

Visiting the Temples of Cambodia

If culture is what you crave, a trip to Cambodia offers an experience that’s worlds away from an all-inclusive resort. Visiting the ancient temples of Angkor, especially at sunrise, is nothing short of magical. Beyond the iconic sights, Cambodia rewards those who take the time to explore local markets, learn about its history and connect with its people. From cycling through rural villages to sampling authentic Khmer cuisine, this is a destination that offers depth, perspective and unforgettable moments. This is a great trip to do solo as you can meet a lot of different people along the way, with your other half, or with friends who all have the same interest as you. You’ll make incredible experiences that you won’t ever forget.

A Trans-Siberian Railway Adventure

Next on your bucketlist that will mean so much more to you than just an all-inclusive is to try the Trans-Siberian railway. This is one of the most incredible ways to experience slow travel. Spanning thousands of miles from Europe to Asia, this legendary train journey allows you to experience changing landscapes, cultures and time zones from the comfort of your carriage. Along the way, you can stop in historic cities, remote towns and vast natural landscapes that most travellers never encounter. It’s a reminder that sometimes the journey really is just as important as the destination.

An Italian Culinary Trail

​​If food is your love language, swap the resort buffet for an Italian culinary trail. From learning to make fresh pasta in Tuscany to sampling regional wines and cheeses in Emilia-Romagna, this is a feast for all the senses. These trips are about slowing down, understanding local traditions and enjoying food the way it was meant to be enjoyed. You’ll return home not only inspired, but with new skills and a deeper appreciation for Italian culture.

Adventuring in the Greenland Icefjords

Greenland is one of the last true frontiers, offering an experience unlike anywhere else on Earth. Adventuring through its icefjords means kayaking alongside towering icebergs, hiking across Arctic landscapes and witnessing the effects of climate change first-hand. It’s remote, humbling and deeply memorable. This is a destination for travellers who want to feel completely removed from modern life and connected to a nature in a magical way that you don’t get to do very often in today’s day and age.

Trying a New Zealand Wilderness Challenge

New Zealand is made for adventure. Whether it’s hiking remote trails, white-water rafting through dramatic gorges or taking on adrenaline-fuelled challenges in the great outdoors, this is a destination that encourages you to push your limits. Beyond the thrill, New Zealand also offers incredible scenery, welcoming locals and a strong connection to nature. It’s the perfect blend of excitement and soul-stirring landscapes.

These are just a few bucketlist travel experiences you should try this year that can get you away from a plan pool break and doing something a bit different. You will come away from this trip feeling more motivated, with memories you’ll never forget and having stepped out of your comfort zone. What are some top tips you have for heading off on a bucketlist destination this year? Is there a particular trip that caught your eye? Let us know in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you.