Every trip is life-changing, in some way or another. Whether it gets us outof our comfort zone, gives us a new perspective on the world, or just lets usbreathe a little deeper—there’s just no need to be checking things off a list. Here are a few places that could change your life. Thrills Under and Above

Local Flavors on Cape Breton Island

Irish, Acadian, Scottish, African, and native Mi’Kmaq cultures come together on this island off the trip of Nova Scotia. Settle into one of the houses that dot the headlands: stone cottages, restored schoolhouses, or Munroe Point Lighthouse, a former home that comes with its own private (nonfunctioning) lighthouse. During the day, hike the forests, chill on the beach, or drive the coastal Cabot Trail; at night, tuck into seafood chowder or fresh lobster, then head to a ceilidh—a music and dance gathering—at Rollie’s Wharf in the port of North Sydney
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The Rocky Mountains by Train

Mix cushy train travel, gourmet food, and sweeping views of the majestic Rockies, and you’ve got an experience that’s tropped many travel industry “best of” lists. On trips that last anywhere from 2 to 25 days, Rocky Montaineer trains -with glass-domed coaches and white-glove service- chung along past the glaciers, lakes, and limestone mountains of the Canadian Rockies. At night, you’ll unpack in spots like Vancouver; Kamloops, and JAsper National Park.
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Machu Picchu, Peru
By now, the idea of being inspired by Machu Picchu is practicakky cliche. But the reality is that this ancient site, improbably balanced on a green-carpeted ridge, still imbues a sence of wonder. No longer the overgrown lost city that explorer Hiram Bingham located a century ago this year, the ruins now draw visitors in droves by bus, train, and foot. Trekkers on the Inca Trail pass through the Intipunku (the Sun Gate) at sunrise, but head there when it clears out by late morning and you’ll be able to enjoy the landscape in peace. Get more insideradvice for demystifying Machu Picchu.
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Cappadocia
Central Turkey’s Cappadocia region is known for mushroom- and anthill-shaped towers (“fairy chimneys”) and cave cities that housed ancient settlers. Visitors can approximate that experience by staying in a cave hotel; antique expert Omer Tosun filled the 30 converted-cave suites of his Museum Hotel with artifacts and flourishes like stone fireplaces. Marvel at painted medieval cave churches in the Göreme Open Air Museum, wander the passageways of the Kaymakli Underground City, and rise above it all on a hot-air balloon ride. Most include hotel pickup, a serene float over villages and vineyards, and a champagne toast.
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Pedaling Through Provence
You can explore France’s wine and cheese hubs with a little less guilt—and a little more knowledge— by taking a gourmet biking tour of the countryside. Itineraries are available for both leisurely riders and budding Tour de Francers. Gourmet Cycling Travel leads a six-day journey through Provence that takes bikers over 2,000 year-old Roman bridges and through fields of lavender and thyme, with stops for wine and chocolate castings, local market visits, and private chateau cooking classes.
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Sailing Past the Pharaohs’ Greatest Sites
Egypt’s political structure may be evolving, but the allure of its ancient civilization remains constant. Start in Giza at the Great Pyramids, then catch a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan to hit the Valley of the Kings (site of King Tut’s tomb), the Temple of Edfu, and the twin temple at Kom Ombo. Oberoi’s seven-night Zahra luxury cruise features talks by Egyptologists and private temple tours, while Gap Adventures’ affordable eight-day trip includes the major sites, plus unforgettable cultural experiences such as dinner in a Nubian village and sails on a felucca.
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Wildlife Expeditions in the Galapagos
Snorkel with sea lions and get up-close with blue-footed boobies in this protected ecoparadise. A small-ship cruise like Country Walker’s 10-day journey aboard the 32-passenger M/V Evolution makes it easy to visit hidden beaches and coves, hike a dormant volcano, and search out penguins and marine iguanas. Or try the company’s unique weeklong land-based trip; guests overnight on three different islands and have more flexibility to explore the natural wonders and local communities.
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Game Viewing in Tanzania and Kenya
In Hemingway’s day, safaris followed game across the terrain, setting up camps along the way. Today’s mobile safaris channel that same spirit: Micato Safaris plans some of the best tours, including a Tanzania and Kenya trip that travels from the rhino-filled foothills of Mount Kenya to the grasslands of the Masai Mara, where giraffes parade through the savannah and balloon rides soar above. Check out five more safari experiences.
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Creatures and Comforts on an Antarctica Cruise
Antarctica’s fragile icebergs and breathtaking wildlife put the destination on many a life list. But new environmental rules have limited the number of cruise ships, making your choice trickier than ever. One of the newest vessels on the market, Abercrombie & Kent’s Le Boreal impresses intellectuals keen on creatures and creature comforts. Renowned mammal biologist Larry Hobbs leads the handpicked expedition crew.
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Mysteries Deep in the Amazon
Small-ship Amazon cruises allow for a closer look at the diverse ecology of the world’s second-largest river, which winds its way through parts of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. Many offer the chance to kayak, hike in the jungle, and spot wildlife, and some are even staffed by naturalists and environmental experts. Aqua Expeditions offers three-, four-, and seven-night sailings that include visits to estuaries, backwater lakes, and hidden villages.
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