Travel comes in all shapes and sizes. For some, travel can mean jumping in a car with a group of friends for a cross-country road trip or finding an all-inclusive resort and getting pampered to the max. For others still, travel can simply mean throwing a dart at a map and hopping on a plane. Whatever it means to you, we’ve put together a list of particularly special trips to take in your lifetime. The specifics are up to you, but we encourage all travelers to try and accomplish all of these at least once.

Animal Safari

Whether you experience the great wildebeest migration of East Africa or want to see giant buffalo roaming the plains of Wyoming, experiencing wild animals in their native habitat is a breathtaking experience every traveler should have. Book with a reputable safari company, and indulge in as remote or luxurious a trip as you like. Maybe you want to sleep beneath the stars in a sleeping bag, or maybe your idea of "roughing it" is limited to a glamorous canvas tent with all the amenities. No matter what experience or what type of animal you wish to see, there's a safari for you.

Train Trip

Slow travel is gaining popularity, and more and more people are recognizing the appeal of a train trip. From overnight sleepers through the Italian countryside to railways criss-crossing the American West, trains are everywhere in the world, and every traveler should book at least one experiential train as a centerpiece of their travels. Luxurious railcars on the Orient Express might tempt you with their amenities, or a crowded boxcar bustling through the Sri Lankan rainforest might appeal to your more adventurous side. Whatever train journey you pick, remember to sit back and enjoy the ride at an unhurried pace.

Backpacking Trip

For this one we're referring to low-budget travel that takes you through multiple countries, and yes, involves carrying around a massive backpack. Whether you do this in the summer after you graduate college or in retirement, backpacking through a country or continent is an absolute must. Jumping on and off trains, exploring a new city every other day, and staying in group hostels is a truly invigorating experience. Set yourself a strict budget and get creative, making friends with public transportation and couchsurfing websites. Whether you choose to hop around Europe, South America, or Southeast Asia you really can’t go wrong with a backpacking trip - unless somebody loses their passport.

Solo Trip

Whether you're single and ready to mingle or just want to reconnect with me, myself, and I, it's time for a solo trip. For many, the idea traveling alone paralyzes them with anxiety. But if you can overcome the fear of heading out on the road by yourself, the rewards are endless. Taking a solo trip allows you to break free of your comfort zone. Solo travel has been linked to increased self-confidence and self discovery. You're forced to think creatively and make friends from different walks of life.  If you're ready to try a solo adventure, don't feel like you have to plan a huge getaway abroad. If traveling alone scares you, try planning a small weekend trip somewhere nearby, easing into a larger solo adventure.

National Parks

The American national park system boast 63 stunning preserves across the nation, protecting some of the nation's most spectacular wild landscapes. From the towering redwoods of California to the rocky shores of coastal Maine, every traveler needs to experience, at the bare minimum, one national park in their life. The good news is, you likely have a national park within driving distance of your home base, making it easy to check one off the list. You could join the millions of visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the most-visited national park in the country, or head to the remote wilds of Alaska for sights that very few have seen. Camp, hike, drive scenic roadways, join a tour bus, however you wish to experience these natural lands, be sure to respect the flora and fauna that call these parks home.

Luxury Trip

Raise your hand if you’ve ever fantasized about splurging on an extravagant luxury trip with only one goal: completely pamper yourself. Well, what are you waiting for? Go find that all-inclusive resort with the swim-up bar and get your leisure on! With platforms like and Travelzoo, you can find great deals on 5-star resorts to help you explore luxury destinations on a dime. So go ahead, save up some coin, and honey, treat yo’self!!

Romantic Trip

There's nothing like getting out of your normal routine to spice up your love life. This trip will look different for everyone. What does romance mean to you? Now, we don’t mean you should go propose at the top of the Eiffel Tower (though let’s be real, we’ve all dreamt of that) but a romantic trip with your partner could be planning a weekend away to a Bed and Breakfast complete with wine and a little rest and relaxation. If you’ve always wanted to take that perfect trip to swoon your lover, we suggest skipping the obvious and taking the romantic road less traveled and customizing your trip to match the personality of you and your partner.

Road Trip

This one couldn’t be more straightforward - it's time for a road trip, baby! Heading out on the open road alone or with a group of friends is a recipe for endless memories. Cruise along the PCH in California, explore the national parks of the Wild West, or hit America’s best roadside attractions on Route 66! There's only one rule: driver picks the music. Beep, beep!

Cruise

Cruises are making a comeback! And for good reason. Inexpensive, all-inclusive, with the ability to see several destinations without dealing with the hassle of travel? Not to mention some cruises allow you to experiences places that would otherwise be impossible to see. There are many types of cruises you can go on - in fact, there's almost too many to choose from. From Caribbean cruises, to Mediterranean cruises, Alaskan cruises, party cruises, family cruises, drag queen cruises - the options are neverending. Whether you consider yourself a "cruiser" or not, we suggest trying at least doing one cruise in your lifetime. What kind should you pick? Well, whatever floats your boat!

Off-the-Grid Trip

In a world engulfed in information and technology, you have to plan at least one trip that takes you away from it all. And we're not talking about just setting a Vacation notice on your email. We mean leave the phones off, head out into the wild, and completely disconnect. Spend some time with Mother Nature, sleeping on the ground, or if you can't live without hot water (we don't blame you) escaping to an isolated retreat. This might even be trip you want to repeat once a year, let alone once in your life.

Last Minute Trip

You probably fantasize about this kind of trip while working at your office. Just dropping everything and taking off, no set plan, no itinerary, just go. What a fantasy! But we say go make it a reality. Now, don’t go getting yourself fired from your job or skipping out on your last final of the semester in the name of wanderlust. But if the time is right and you’ve caught the bug - what is stopping you? Book that flight! Reserve that hotel room! Pack that bag! Post that Instagram to make your friends jealous! Make haste!

A Trip That Scares You

In retrospect, any of the trips we’ve listed above could be categorized as trips that scare us, but everyone is different. A solo trip might be a cake walk for some and paralyzing for others. A luxury trip might be the most anxiety-inducing thought for some and simply a credit card swipe for others. Don't forget about destinations. Find a culture, a country, a lifestyle that is far removed from your own and go experience it for yourself. Whatever takes you out of your comfort zone - we say, go for it! Pushing yourself out of your comfort zone is the most simple way to expand your horizons and broaden your perspective. And honestly, isn’t that why we love to travel in the first place?