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2025 was a year of saying yes to experiences, the kind that teach you something, challenge you a little, and stay with you long after the trip is over. These weren’t just “things to see,” but things I felt, learned from, and truly enjoyed.
Here are my favorite travel experiences of the year, with honest tips to help you decide if they belong on your own bucket list.
Unique Experiences from Around the World
1. Mario Kart Through the Streets of Tokyo
Tokyo is Japan’s capital city, known for its mix of ultra-modern streets, historic neighborhoods, and nonstop energy — and this experience lets you drive through some of its most famous areas.
This was hands-down one of the most fun things I did all year.
Driving through Tokyo dressed up in Pikachu onesie on a Mario Kart, waving at locals while they waved back, laughed, and took photos of us, it felt surreal. You’ll need an International Driver’s Permit to participate, which is super important to know ahead of time.
What surprised me most was how joyful it felt. No one was annoyed, people were smiling, filming, and cheering us on. If you want something memorable and not your typical sightseeing experience, this is it.
2. Wearing Traditional Japanese Kimono
This experience takes place in historic areas of Japan, often near temples, shrines, and old neighborhoods where traditional culture is still very visible. Some people worry about cultural appropriation with experiences like this, but what I learned is that this is actually cultural appreciation.
Locals were incredibly welcoming, and many genuinely loved seeing foreigners dressed in their kimonos. It’s also such a beautiful way to learn about history — how people dressed, how they moved, and how culture was expressed through clothing. It made me slow down and appreciate Japan even more.
3. Cooking Class in Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is a colorful coastal city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, known for its walled Old Town, Afro-Caribbean culture, and bold flavors. I love cooking classes when I travel, and this one was extra special.
It’s such an easy way to connect with locals, hear their stories, and understand their culture beyond tourist attractions. Plus, it’s a two-in-one activity; you cook, and you eat, so you don’t need another meal afterward.
Every time I do a cooking class, it makes me want to recreate the dishes when I get home, and this one was no different. Delicious food, great people, and meaningful conversation.
4. Phang Nga Bay / James Bond Island Day Trip
Phang Nga Bay is located between Phuket and southern Thailand, famous for its limestone cliffs, emerald waters, and small fishing villages. If you’re in Phuket and looking for a day trip outside the city, this is such a good option.
The landscapes are unreal, the experience is very reasonably priced, and you get to mix with locals while exploring some of Thailand’s most stunning scenery. It felt like a full experience, not rushed, and definitely one of those “wow” moments.
5. Ma Doo Bua Café Lily Pad Photoshoot
Ma Doo Bua Café is located in Phuket, Thailand, and is known for its massive lily pads that have gone viral all over social media. Yes, it’s viral, but there’s a reason.
The biggest tip here: go early. Very early. Ideally around 7 a.m. or even before opening. Because it’s so popular, arriving early saves you hours of waiting and helps you secure the best boat with the most lily pads.
It’s beautiful, peaceful, and honestly worth the effort if you plan it right.
6. Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket
This sanctuary is located just outside Phuket and focuses on rescuing and protecting elephants that were previously used for tourism or commercial work.
This was one of the most emotional experiences of the year for me.
Hearing the elephants’ stories was incredibly touching. Many had been used for commercial purposes in the past, leading to permanent injuries or long-term trauma. Seeing them now in an ethical sanctuary, where they’re respected, not ridden, touched, or forced to perform was powerful.
You’re allowed to prepare their food and observe them closely, but not touch them, which is exactly how it should be. Any place that allows riding, bathing, or hand-feeding is not ethical. I’m so grateful these elephants ended up somewhere safe.
7. Rainbow Mountain Hike, Peru
Rainbow Mountain (Vinicunca) is located high in the Andes Mountains near Cusco, Peru, at an altitude of over 5,000 meters (16,000+ feet) above sea level. This hike was hard, I won’t sugarcoat it.
The altitude is extremely high, and the best way to manage it is to spend at least 2–3 full days in Cusco before attempting the hike. Ideally, make Rainbow Mountain one of the last things you do in your Peru itinerary.
But wow… the colors in real life felt like a dream. I had never seen anything like it before. It was challenging, but absolutely worth it.
8. Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu is an ancient Incan citadel located high in the Andes Mountains of Peru, about 2,430 meters (7,970 feet) above sea level, and is most commonly accessed via Aguas Calientes.
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, and my first one.
This place is beyond words. I waited over five hours for the clouds to clear before I could see it properly, but when they did, it was magical. Prepare an extra day if you can, as the weather here is unpredictable.
No one knows for sure what Machu Picchu was originally used for, which adds to its mystery and significance. It’s deeply historical, powerful, and absolutely bucket-list worthy.
9. Coconut Basket Boat Ride, Vietnam
This experience takes place in central Vietnam, usually in the coconut forests near Hoi An, where locals use traditional round basket boats.
Vietnam is one of those places where your money goes very far, and this experience was such a fun example of that.
Spinning in the basket boats was hilarious, hold on for your life and prepare to laugh a lot. Even if you don’t spin, watching others is entertaining on its own. It’s a great way to spend time with locals and experience something unique and lighthearted.
10. Chut Thai Costume Experience
This experience is usually done in cultural or historic areas in Thailand, often near temples or heritage sites.
Dressing in traditional Thai attire was another moment of cultural appreciation for me.
It’s such a beautiful way to connect with the history and elegance of Thai culture. Experiences like this remind me that travel isn’t just about seeing places, it’s about understanding people.
11. Train Street, Vietnam
Train Street is a narrow residential street in Vietnam where a functioning train passes just inches from homes, cafés, and visitors. Chaotic, exciting, and unforgettable.
Sitting inches away from a moving train while enjoying a drink feels unreal. It’s one of those experiences that makes you say, “This could only happen here.”
12. Hanbok Experience in South Korea
This experience takes place around historic palaces in Seoul, South Korea, such as the Gyeongbokgung Palace, where hanbok rentals are common and encouraged. Wearing a hanbok and walking through historic palaces made me feel like I stepped into another time.
Locals were encouraging, helpful, and genuinely happy to see visitors embracing their culture. Another reminder that appreciation, when done respectfully, is always welcome.
13. Ao Dai Experience in Vietnam
Vietnamese traditional attire is often worn during cultural experiences, photoshoots, and heritage walks in historic towns. Wearing traditional Vietnamese clothing felt meaningful and respectful.
It’s another example of cultural appreciation — learning what people traditionally wore, why they wore it, and how culture is preserved through clothing. Experiences like this always deepen my connection to a place.
14. San Blas Islands, Panama
The San Blas Islands are a remote archipelago off Panama’s Caribbean coast, home to the Indigenous Guna people. This felt like stepping into another world.
Crystal-clear water, untouched islands, and a slower way of life. It’s not luxury in the traditional sense; it’s raw, peaceful, and incredibly grounding. One of those places that reminds you how simple life can be.
15. The Colosseum, Rome
The Colosseum is an ancient Roman amphitheatre in the heart of Rome, standing as a symbol of the Roman Empire. Seeing it in person was surreal.
No matter how many photos you’ve seen, standing there hits differently. The history, the scale, the weight of everything that happened there, it makes you pause and reflect in a way few places do.
Every experience on this list taught me something, about culture, history, patience, or myself. These weren’t rushed, checklist moments; they were experiences I felt deeply grateful for.
If you’re planning future trips, I hope this helps you think beyond “where to go” and focus on what to experience.
| Planning a Trip? Here Are My Go-To Travel Resources Over the years, I’ve tested a lot of tools while planning my trips, and these are the ones I keep coming back to. They make booking easier, help me save money, and reduce travel stress. ✈️ Flights I usually start with Expedia when searching for flights because it compares prices across multiple airlines in one place. One feature I really like is the price watch option, which lets you track fares and get alerts when prices change, super helpful if your travel dates are flexible. 🏨Accommodations For hotels, I mainly use Booking.com and Expedia. I like comparing both because sometimes one has better reviews or availability than the other. If I’m traveling with a group or want more space, I’ll also check Airbnb or VRBO for apartments, homes, or longer stays in different price ranges. 🚗 Rental Cars When I want the freedom to explore at my own pace, I rent a car. I book through RentalCars.com (part of Booking.com) because it compares prices from major car rental companies and usually shows the best deals clearly. 🎟️ Tours & Experiences For activities and experiences, Viator and GetYourGuide are my go-to platforms. They’re great for finding everything from day trips to unique bucket-list experiences. I always check both since they sometimes offer different tours or better availability. 🛡️ Travel Insurance Travel isn’t always predictable, so I never leave the country without insurance. Whether it’s a delayed flight, illness, or lost luggage, having coverage gives peace of mind. I personally recommend SafetyWing, especially for international trips. 🎒 Travel Essentials From packing cubes to adapters and comfortable walking shoes, having the right gear makes a big difference. I keep a list of my favorite travel essentials in my Amazon storefront so everything is easy to find in one place. 📌 Important reminder: Always check travel.gc.ca if you are Canadian or travel.state.gov if you live in the U.S. for visa requirements, entry rules, and up-to-date safety information before your trip. |