Revenge travel is coming, and Contiki is here to help millennial and Gen Z travellers kickstart their post-pandemic adventures when travel resumes. Wanderlusters have more pent-up demand for unique experiences than ever following a year of lost travel time. In response, the global leader in epic adventures for 18-35-year-olds is sharing its hit list of the top five experiences around the world to ensure travellers can get their ‘revenge.’
Gen-Z and millennials are craving the call to adventure and are eager to explore again, and revenge travel reflects their state of mind after a year of being cooped up. Realizing travel is a gift, they’ll be travelling with no holds barred on the ultimate trips of a lifetime, crossing off bucket list destinations, making their dreams a reality and seeking exclusive, exhilarating experiences.
Here are the top five experiences for the ultimate pandemic payback post-lockdown, according to the global youth travel experts at Contiki:
Spend Time with Sea Turtles in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known for its unrivalled nature experiences, and you can dive into the “pura vida” lifestyle off the tourist trail in Tortuguero on a visit to the Sea Turtle Conservancy. Learn the threats Sea Turtles are facing, how the breeding areas are being preserved and witness them in their natural habitat on a guided walk with a local Ranger. If you’re craving adventure, ziplining your way through the treetops of Montverde’s Selvatura Park is a great start for those seeking to embrace revenge travel. Viva Costa Rica!
Find Your Inner Foodie in Italy
Live la dolce vita in Italy, exploring the trattorias, sampling fresh focaccia, savouring mind-blowing pastas and pizzas, tasting delectable tiramisu and (of course) enjoying some gelato. If lockdown led to a love of cooking, try your hand at truffle hunting with a hunting master, foraging with adorable, expertly trained pups followed by cooking classes in the stunning coastal town of Bracciano. You’ll stay at a breathtaking Roman villa and have the chance to explore the cobblestone streets of this picture-perfect lakeside borgo. Since you can’t have a meal without a beverage, taste some espresso, Italian wine or an Aperol Spritz – trust us, your taste buds will thank you. The best part? No mountain of dishes to deal with after!
Discover Fire & Ice in Iceland
From the jaw-dropping glaciers in Vatnajökull National Park to the mind-blowing Geysir geothermal fields, no destination brings both fire and ice to life like Iceland. After a stressful year, what better way to soak away the tension than in the world-famous hot springs of the Blue Lagoon? For a tranquil experience, this geothermal seawater offers sweet serenity while doing wonders for your skin, thanks to natural minerals straight from the earth. For a completely unique dining experience, travellers can visit an Icelandic Farm to enjoy a locally sourced meal tasting regional delicacies and learning about farm-to-table eating. Bonus: if you visit Iceland between September and March, you may be able to cross seeing the Northern Lights off your bucket list too.
Spot the ‘Big 5’ on a Safari in South Africa
South Africa has long been a bucket list destination for avid adventurers, and spotting the ‘Big 5’ – lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and African buffalos – is one of the most life-changing experiences around. Go on game drives through the legendary Kruger National Park, stargaze from your Special Stay camp in the middle of the African bush, visit the thunderous Victoria Falls and explore the coastal city of Cape Town. This is Africa, and it’s the perfect place to make up for lost time with limitless epic experiences.
Go Bungee Jumping in New Zealand
Another great jump-off point (sorry, we had to) for your post-pandemic payback is bungee jumping in New Zealand. Get your adrenaline pumping in the adrenaline capital of the world, Queenstown, NZ, at the Kawarau Bridge Bungy. If you prefer to stay closer to the ground, sweet south New Zealand has plenty of natural beauty to behold from the Franz Josef Glacier to the Te Anau glow worm caves, plus a packed food scene to enjoy.
