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Holiday Gift Guide 2023: 10 One-of-a-Kind Experiences for Travel Buffs
From standing atop a 116-story-tall landmark in Toronto to bathing with redwoods in Northern California, these excursions will indulge wanderlust on your gift-giving list.
Numerous studies support the theory that experiences, not material items, make people happier in the long term. When such moments are gifted or shared as a holiday treat, the benefits can multiply. In lieu of more stuff, try giving loved ones an unforgettable travel experience that will lead to a priceless memory
Towering 116 stories above the twinkling Toronto skyline, the EdgeWalk at the CN Tower provides thrill seekers with the ultimate test of their bravery as they step along the world’s highest full-circle, hands-free walk with nothing but a harness tethering them to the building. Take in views of the city while perched on the 5-foot ledge encircling the top of the tower’s central pod at 1,168 feet.
On the Grand Canyon Railway, riders will feel like they’re taking a step back in time during the scenic journey steeped in American history. The train travels from the iconic Williams Depot to the historic Grand Canyon Depot in Grand Canyon National Park. The route takes roughly two hours and 15 minutes each way, snaking along an awe-inspiring 65-mile voyage, passing through classic Western landscapes, and ducking under towering ponderosa pines. The cabin types include a Pullman car reminiscent of the 1920s and the Luxury Dome class, which boasts breathtaking views.
The four-day Nature, Wildlife and Conservation Safari hosted by FNQ Nature Tours offers explorers the chance to embark on an immersive experience to learn the background of Australia’s conservation efforts. Safari attendees will visit destinations that are typically closed to the public and can embark on a diverse array of experiences exclusive to Queensland’s Tropical North, including the Daintree Rainforest, Shared Earth Reserve, Atherton Tablelands, and Crater Lakes National Park. Wildlife spotting opportunities may include platypuses, Mareeba rock-wallabies, musky rat-kangaroos, Eastern water dragons, and Dainty tree frogs.
Take in the awe-inspiring sights of Alaska from the sky before embarking on a guided, educational exploration on top of a glacier itself. TEMSCO Helicopters of Alaska operates under a special landing permit issued by the USDA Forest Service in Juneau, Skagway, and Denali, meaning the tours aren’t simply focused on sightseeing: TEMSCO’s helicopters descend on the glaciers themselves for a once-in-lifetime trek in the Last Frontier.
Outdoor enthusiasts will form lasting memories amongst nature at the Tennessee Pass Cookhouse. After a hike or snowshoe trek, enjoy an off-the-grid, candlelit, multicourse farm-to-table dining experience near Leadville, Colorado. The menu is seasonally inspired and locally sourced, pairing luxury with backcountry adventure. After dinner, guests can cozy up under the stars in the warmth of their own private yurt outfitted with handcrafted log beds, linens, warm woodstoves, and a clear dome ceiling to view the stars for a peaceful night’s rest.
Canada’s Scandinave Spa is a technology-free healing space. The Nordic bath thermal journey benefits the mind, body, and soul, boosting physical and mental wellness. Before entering, guests are cautioned to be mindful of the strict no-talking policy, which offers a rare opportunity to completely disconnect. While surrounded by nature and stunning views, visitors should set aside at least two hours to fully immerse themselves in the experience. Add on a massage treatment for the complete therapeutic experience.
In an intimate group of 20 people or less, the VIP Key Master’s Tour by City Experiences explores the Sistine Chapel before sunrise in Rome. An official historical guide will travel with the Vatican’s Key Master as they perform their daily duty of opening up the extensive network of sites. The exclusive two-hour jaunt inside one of the world’s most iconic and holiest institutions passes through the pope’s palace while showcasing works by artists like Raphael and Michelangelo.
In Portland, Oregon, nature lovers can embark on guided tree climbs with Expedition Old Growth. Damien Carré and his team of certified arborists and expert climbers guide groups of harnessed visitors to see incredible views of Mount St. Helens and Mount Hood above a seemingly endless expanse of Douglas firs. Experiences range from an “elevator ride” into the treetops to an overnight stay in a tree canopy. The tours are open to anyone ages 5 and above. No prior climbing experience is needed.
At the recently opened Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River, book a Muay Thai boxing lesson in the resort’s on-site ring to learn everything about the unique sport, ranging from the foundational basics of the Thai boxing style to advanced levels of self-defense. The lessons emphasize the importance of a healthy mind and body connection and can be adapted for all ages as well as all skill and fitness levels.
EcoWisdom hosts unique forest bathing experiences designed to immerse visitors in the quietness of Sonoma County, California. Research suggests the practice of forest bathing boosts well-being. During guided sessions, which can take place amongst the area’s massive redwoods, Jenny Harrow-Keeler leads participants on ways to slow down and notice the sounds and smells of life through all of the senses.
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Molly O’Brien is a Los Angeles-based writer who has contributed to Travel + Leisure, Insider, Fodor’s, Matador Network, and The Washington Post. Follow her on Instagram at @metropolitanmolly.
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