Luxury outdoor travel: 5 ways to make the Great Outdoors even greater
- Pat Boxall
- 25 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Though you may not describe yourself as “outdoorsy”, we’re willing to bet you love time in nature as much as anyone. And why wouldn’t you? Between the crisp air, sweeping landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters, the natural world has a way of making us feel both tiny and larger than life.
The good news is embracing nature doesn’t have to mean roughing it. With a helping hand from the FBI Travel team, you can enjoy the world’s iconic outdoor experiences without sacrificing the creature comforts we’ve all become accustomed to – just think of it as the Great Outdoors, but even greater.
1. Chase the Northern Lights in style
There’s a good reason the Northern Lights – aurora borealis – appear on the bucket lists of most travellers. The spellbinding beauty of a fullblown aurora is impossible to put into words, and fortunately a view of this natural lightshow doesn’t require braving the cold from a roadside lookout.
To take the Northern Lights to the next level, entrust your aurora experience to the team at 50 Degrees North, Adventure World or one of our other five-star operators. The former runs a tour through Swedish Lapland, which will have you spending a couple of nights at the famous ICEHOTEL, sleeping in an exquisitely carved suite made entirely of ice and snow. The hotel is rebuilt each winter, ensuring every stay is a once-in-a-lifetime event with opportunities for dog-sledding, reindeer encounters and aurora-hunting excursions on snowmobiles.
Who knows? You may just catch a glimpse of this natural phenomenon from the on-site Icebar, with an ice-cold martini in hand.
2. Push yourself on a pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago
The Camino de Santiago is a journey steeped in history, but the modern traveller need not sacrifice all comforts to enjoy its spiritual and physical rewards. These days, prospective pilgrims can choose from a range of tours including a cycling trip with Adventure World or ensuring you cover the last 100 kilometres with G Adventures or Wandering the World to qualify for a compostela (certificate of completion).
Prefer to tackle the pilgrimage alone? With the ever-increasing popularity of the Camino de Santiago, those hoping to walk The Way – be it in part or in full – on their own can now enjoy luggage transfers, gourmet dining and boutique accommodation along most of the route (because there’s nothing quite so enlightening as crisp linen sheets and a glass of Rioja’s finest).
The FBI Travel team can help plan your pilgrimage, making sure you finish in style with a stay at the iconic Parador hotel – a refurbished royal hospital – in Santiago de Compostela. Dating back to the 15th century, the Parador’s historic charm is complemented by world-class amenities. Its fine dining makes a welcome change from the pilgrim’s menu, and a glass of cava on the Parador’s sundrenched terrace is a fitting reward for completing such an arduous, transformative trail.
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3. A luxury outdoor stay in the Canadian wilderness
Canada’s wild beauty has long attracted adventurous types, but you don’t need survival skills to thrive in these dramatic landscapes. Take Clayoquot Wilderness Lodge, for example, where you could arrive on Vancouver Island by seaplane before settling into your luxury safari-style accommodation. Picture days spent hiking through old-growth forest, encountering otters and bears, catching salmon or kayaking alongside orcas. All this before your spa and sauna, fireside cocktail and farm-to-table feast, of course.
Alternatively, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge delivers an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The sprawling property is surrounded by glaciers and alpine lakes, combining rustic elegance with as much exploration and relaxation as you can handle. From world-class golfing to ice-skating and skiing, there’s something for not only every season, but every kind of seasoned traveller.
4. Outdoor exploration on an Arctic cruise
Picture waking up in a cabin with views of glacial fjords, circling seabirds and breaching whales. Imagine venturing
into the far reaches of the Arctic yet returning each evening to gourmet meals, spa treatments and a comfortable surroundings. Now, why not make it a reality?
Your time aboard a luxury Arctic cruise will be a far cry from the behemoths cruising the Pacific or Caribbean. These ships, operated by Quark Expeditions, HX Expeditions and more, are designed for expedition-style journeys and can take you to places most people only see in documentaries. Your adventure will see you sailing through glacial fjords and remote coastal waters, stopping in picturesque fishing villages to explore the dramatic landscapes.
For families, many Arctic cruises include branched-off adventure days where children can join nature walks, wildlife spotting or cultural visits in small groups, while the adults may opt for birding, fishing or photography workshops.
Come evening, guests can enjoy fine dining and conversation, a lecture led by an expert naturalist, or a quiet drink in a cosy lounge. And with any luck, the aurora borealis or midnight sun might put on a show through the window.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: MY ANTARCTIC ADVENTURE - A REVIEW OF AURORA EXPEDITIONS
5. An adventurous journey across New Zealand
New Zealand’s natural beauty needs no introduction. From Milford Sound and the Southern Alps to Taupō and the Bay of Plenty, travellers are spoilt for choice when it comes to time outside. Few destinations balance adventure with luxury like New Zealand, where you could find yourself hiking mountains in the morning, tasting wines in the afternoon and enjoying a world-class meal – or starry skies – come evening.
Looking to squeeze the most out of every day? Southern World offers hiking and family adventure tours, while Ker & Downey’s reputation for luxury and innovation is on full display in this 15-day adventure from Auckland to Queenstown. It’s safe to say you’ll never regret a trip across the Tasman.
Inspired to get outdoors? Our expert Travel Advisors can tailor luxury itineraries to have you immersed in nature. We’ll also provide you with personalised support in every stage of your journey, from planning to booking and travelling. Contact us to start ticking these luxury outdoor experiences off your bucket list.
