Ultimate Buck List Fantasy Trips

Hiking New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Going on safari in legendary Kenya. Sailing to the exclusive Prix du Monde in Monaco. These once-in-a-lifetime experiences entitle you to ultimate bragging rights. Here are four trophy trips to add to your life list.

Don your bush jacket on this 13-day African safari, where Kenya’s extraordinary landscapes, diverse wildlife, and magnificent park lodges come together. In Kenya’s capital of Nairobi, known as the safari capital of the world, learn about saving elephants and rhinos at the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust orphanage and watch cultural performances at Bomas of Kenya, a traditional village. Visit Jane Goodall’s Chimpanzee Sanctuary, a haven for orphaned chimps, and the Nairobi National Museum. Then embark on thrilling game drives on this “Captivating Kenya Safari” from Holiday Vacations, while keeping an eye out for the Big Five — leopard, elephant, lion, Cape buffalo, and rhino. The itinerary includes Shaba National Reserve, Samburu or Buffalo Springs National Reserve, Sweetwaters Game Reserve, Lake Nakuru National Park, and Masai Mara National Reserve. There’s a chance to witness the Great Migration, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, when millions of animals travel from Tanzania across the Mara-Serengeti in the world’s largest mammal migration. Talk about a pinch-me moment.

Combine luxury by land and by sea with a dream vacation from small-ship Windstar Cruises. Board the world’s largest sailing ship, the 342-passenger Wind Surf, to call at some of the world’s more glamorous ports on the French and Italian Rivieras, including Cannes, Sanary-sur-Mer, and Portoferraio. The frosting on the cake: two days of exclusive access to private events, Formula One® time trials and the storied Prix du Monde, with racers roaring through the streets of tony Monte Carlo. You might spot a royal or two in this elegant principality with its palace, elite boutiques, and famed casinos. The seven-day cruise, “Rome & Prix Du Monde of Monaco,” starts in Barcelona and ends in Rome. But the memories will last forever.

Lace up your hiking boots for this eight-day guided walking itinerary, “New Zealand: The South Island,” from Country Walkers. On this unique itinerary in the popular hiking destination of New Zealand, you’ll explore the snow-capped Southern Alps, the pristine shores of Lake Rotoiti, and the golden sands of Abel Tasman National Park. Experience one of New Zealand’s “Great Walks,” the Abel Tasman Coast Track, admiring its golden beaches, pristine bays, and dramatic rock formations. Here, you’ll stay in a secluded lodge perched deep in the coastal forest — just a short walk from the smooth shores of Awaroa Beach. Surrounded by wildlife, you’ll discover wetlands and sub-tropical bush that are home to a variety of native birds. Cruise through the gorgeous Marlborough Sounds as you pause at a greenlip mussel farm to sample the plump, succulent shellfish plucked straight from the sea. Along the way, enjoy New Zealand’s renowned farm-to-table cuisine and superb vintages. Bon appétit!

Bike your way through this string-bean-shaped country on a seven-day guided biking adventure, “Chile: Coastal Vistas & Vineyards,” from VBT Bicycling Vacations. As you spin along Chile’s sunny coast, you’ll discover South American marine life during a boating excursion with a local fisherman. Marvel at the Humboldt penguins and sea lions lounging on islands just offshore. Visit two colorful coastal cities: Valparaiso with its multicolored buildings and vibrant street art and Viña del Mar, known as “The Garden City.” Turning inland, two-wheel it through the white wine-famous Casablanca Valley and enjoy a tasting at the innovative Kingston Family Winery. Cycle through the wine-producing Maipo Valley, followed by stop at the Santa Rita Vineyards. Experience a unique wine-tasting workshop guided by an experienced Chilean sommelier in this luxurious estate. It’s a trip worth drinking a toast to.

The former travel editor of USA TODAY, Veronica Stoddart is a multiple-award-winning travel writer whose work has appeared in dozens of publications and websites. She considers travel a force for good in the world.

For more travel experiences available from Xanterra Travel Collection® and its affiliated properties, visit xanterra.com/stories.