Travel website Culture Trip has launched “TRIPS by Culture Trip,” a collection of unique small-group adventures to let people experience destinations together with other culturally curious travelers. Curated by travel experts and led by “Local Insiders,” the multi-day adventures offer itineraries that combine immersive activities and unique places to stay.
The diverse itineraries are aimed at travelers who want to connect with a place, its people and its culture. All itineraries feature hand-picked, hyper-local experiences and authentic activities combined with quality accommodation that has a personal feel and is—where possible—locally owned. Offering a balance between exploration, action and relaxation, the itineraries also offer ample free time to unwind or explore solo. TRIPS are led by expert Local Insiders who know the destination inside out, show lesser-known places, share their in-depth knowledge and reveal hidden gems that travelers might not be able to access or have otherwise discovered.
From mindful days in the Hudson Valley and off-road adventures in Utah & Colorado to ancient temples and wild cenotes in Mexico, TRIPS has launched with 30 itineraries in the U.K., Europe, the U.S., Central America, North Africa, Asia and other regions. First departures are set to take place at the end of this year, with a focus on 2022. TRIPS durations range from four to 13 days, with prices starting from $1,169 per person (which includes the Local Insider; activities; accommodation based on two people sharing, with single occupancy available with a supplement; transport throughout the trip and a range of meals.) Each trip will welcome up to 18 travelers aged 25 and over who can join solo or with friends. TRIPS styles include “Discovery,” “Active,” “City Break,” and “Wellness,” with physical ratings from easy to challenging.
Among the itineraries, “Reset & Recharge in New York State’s Hudson Valley” is a four-day trip, with departures in April 2022. The tour is aimed at helping travelers mentally disconnect from the daily grind. Staying in a boutique hotel, the small group will learn the basics of meditation with an expert instructor, join an artist workshop, hike through the lush High Falls Conservation Area—home to the highest waterfall in Columbia County—and try stand-up paddleboard Yoga on the Hudson River. The price for the tour begins from $1,169 per person.
“Off-Road Adventures in Utah & Colorado” is an eight-day trip, starting from $3,499 per person. Scheduled for June, August and September 2022, the trip will give travelers a chance to hike through the Moab canyonlands, bike down dusty trails in Arches National Park, and go rafting on the Colorado River. They will visit quaint alpine towns, soak in hot springs, and—with any luck—spot a black bear or two in the Colorado Rockies. Food and culture lovers won’t be disappointed either as there will also be cocktails at the haunted hotel from The Shining and draft beer tasting in Denver.
Treasure Island: Ancient Temples & Wildlife Encounters in Sri Lanka // Photo credit: TRIPS by Culture Trip
“Treasure Island: Ancient Temples & Wildlife Encounters in Sri Lanka” is a 12-day trip, scheduled for January, March and May 2022. Travelers get to immerse themselves in authentic Sri Lanka on this trip. The itinerary includes a local’s tour of Colombo, cycling around 1,000-year-old ruins, going on a train journey, enjoying a hands-on cooking lesson combined with a trip to the village market, spotting wild elephants and leopards with a visit to a quieter and lesser-known side of Yala National Park, having lunch overlooking paddy fields and a private spice garden, learning about local education in a rural village school, and more. The rates start from $2,039 per person.
“Ancient Temples and Wild Cenotes on Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula” is a nine-day trip with prices starting from $3,039 per person. Departing in November 2021, and February and April 2022, this itinerary takes travelers to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, which offers beaches, culture, history and a rich culinary scene. With this TRIPS itinerary, travelers can climb the ancient Mayan pyramid at Cobá, swim in crystal-clear cenotes, sample pox (the lesser-known cousin of tequila), whip up a Yucatecan feast at a cooking workshop, and enjoy the white-sand beaches of Holbox Island. The group will also explore the world-famous Chichen Itza and lesser-known Mayan pyramid at Cobá before finishing this leisurely trip in the beach town of Tulum.
Some of the other itineraries include “A Jungle Safari of Costa Rica;” “California Dreamin’: From Yosemite National Park to Napa & Sonoma Valley;” “Escape to Iceland’s Frozen Wilderness;” “La Vida Local in Mexico City,” which will give travelers an opportunity to watch lucha libre wrestlers in action, visit Frida Kahlo’s house, sing with the mariachis floating along the Xochimilco canals, and more; “Japan Rising: From Neon Lights to Rural Delights;” “Arabian Nights: the Complete Morocco Experience” and “Galapagos Islands,” which will include experiences from kayaking in the Itabaca Channel to snorkeling around Kicker Rock. Travelers will get a chance to spot sea lions, sharks, and more, and marvel at giant tortoises from a glamping retreat. In addition, TRIPS will also bring curious travelers to Scotland, Wales, England, Northern Italy, Sicily, Portugal, Turkey, Thailand, Jordan, Georgia, Bali, Egypt, Vietnam, Colombia and other exciting destinations.
Travel advisors can visit culturetrip.com/trips and contact the customer support team via tradesupport@theculturetrip.com or +1-678-967-4965.
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