How does travel make you feel? Excited? Inspired? Probably connected and curious. We’re willing to bet, almost always accomplished.
Travel is about so much more than adding a new destination to your list, ticking off the tourist hotspots, or revelling in five-star hotel service. All of these count for something, but to travel is a privilege; it’s something that helps you experience new things, widen your world view and build connections with others.
The feelings that travel can instil is something we’re passionate about at Citizen Femme, so Scott Dunn’s feeling-first travel experiences, that are designed to heighten your emotions as you travel, really resonate.
With adventures designed to make you feel excited, inspired, awe-struck, accomplished and more, we’ve hand-picked some of our favourite journeys.
In partnership with Scott Dunn.
Awe: Snowmobiling Under The Aurora Borealis Iceland: November to March, four-night trip
There’s nothing like the power of nature to invoke awe, and experiencing one of the world’s most magical experiences, the Aurora Borealis, will leave you lost for words. On this trip, you’ll start in Reykjavik to get your fill of human-led culture – art, architecture, nightlife – before venturing south for a snowmobiling adventure, whizzing across the landscape in search of the Northern Lights. Then, with the icy plains below you, and the other-worldly lights dancing above you, time stands still. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will stay with you forever. End your trip experiencing more of nature in its purest form: thundering waterfalls and bubbling hot springs. And don’t miss the chance to soak up all the thermal goodness in Iceland’s most famous natural spa, the Blue Lagoon.
Excitement: Helicopter Over Victoria Falls South Africa & Zimbabwe: September to May, nine-night trip
Taking thrill-seeking to the next level, literally, strap in for a helicopter ride across the top of the roaring Victoria Falls. Known as the ‘flight of the angels’ this exhilarating experience will see you hovering above the majestic waters, watching with excitement as the mighty Zambezi River tumbles over the cliff face and crashes down into the gorge below. If that’s not enough excitement for one trip (although trust us, it is), you’ll also take in thrilling dawn game drives at Kruger National Park, plus get a taste for city life in Cape Town, wine tasting and fine dining included.
Inspired: Fashion Trail In Jodhpur India: October to March, 13-night trip
There’s nothing quite like art to inspire, and India is home to some of the most talented artists in the world. From the ancient architects who built global icons like the Taj Mahal (which you’ll also see on this trip) to the modern-day craftsmen and women who spin, dye and block print textiles, there’s a unique flair to India’s arts and crafts. Rajasthan’s Jodhpur is perhaps the centre of it all, and it’s here that you’ll get up close and personal with artisans, watching as they use traditional techniques to craft new pieces. Choosing which to take home with you may be difficult – and we have no doubt you’ll need an extra suitcase for your return trip. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore Mughal architecture in Delhi and Agra (yes, Taj Mahal included), to navigate busy markets, taste traditional thali in Jaipur, and wrap up your stay soaking in the peace, tranquillity and romance of Lake Palace in Udaipur.
Connection: Explore Rome With An Archaeologist Italy: March to November, nine-night trip
It’s one thing to explore a city using Google Maps, and quite another to explore – no, connect with – it thanks to a guide, who can really bring its history and stories to life. Take Rome. We’re sure you can snap a pretty photo in front of the Colosseum, no guide required, but can you recall how long ago the Gladiator fights took place within it? (Circa 105 BC to 404 AD). Or how many people packed into it to spectate? (Up to 50,000). This trip will see you explore the Venetian canals in a private gondola, experience an after-hours tour of famous art galleries in Florence, and discover the stories of ancient Rome, as well as tour the Vatican in private, during hours usually inaccessible to the public. Take the photos, by all means – but trust us, they’ll mean so much more when you really understand the historic spots you’re standing in, and have a greater understanding of – and connection to – all the people who stood before you.
Accomplishment: Cross the Polar Circle Antarctica: December to March, 18-night trip
If you really want to accomplish something that few others have, look to Antarctica. More specifically, to the Polar Circle. While the world’s southernmost continent has become more accessible over recent years, it’s still remote, icy and inhospitable to humans. Why would you want to visit, then? To witness thousand-year-old ice caps, to observe native fauna like the Adélie and gentoo penguins, and to visit historic research stations that are now frozen in time. And, while it gives you huge bragging rights, the Scott Dunn team also make sure everything runs smoothly: their experts know the best boats to make sure the expedition is comfortable (private butler in the middle of the ice caps, anyone?), as well as the very best places to jump off board on an epic excursion. If you want to really push your limits, though, venture to 66°33’ S – aka The Polar Circle – an extraordinary location that only around 100,000 people have ever crossed. Do you dare to add your name to that exclusive list?
Curiosity: See Orangutans In The Wild Borneo: February to September, 11-night trip
Is there any species more curious than the orangutan? Perhaps, but you’ll have a hard time naming it as you observe these creatures – one of man’s closest relatives – in their natural habitat, the Malaysian Borneo Kinabatangan Wetlands. Watch as they swing from tree to tree, gathering flowers, fruit and termite to feast on – perhaps giving you a quick once-over as they go. Nearby, you might hear hornbills cawing overhead, or happen upon a pygmy elephant, before setting off for nearby Gaya Island to kayak through mangroves, take a walking tour with a naturalist, or to simply stop and think about everything you’ve discovered. Come to think of it, the most curious species in the world might be you.
Freedom: Kayak Amongst The Fjords Norway: February to October, six-night trip
There is no greater freedom than exploring a seemingly limitless great outdoors, and there is perhaps no better place to do so than in Norway’s expansive fjords. Vast landscapes filled with expansive, glass-like waters call for adventure, and the best way to answer is by hopping onto a kayak and paddling out into the open. While you’ll be mesmerised by the views – calm waters, soaring mountains and wildlife colonies (seals, puffins) – it’s the feeling of freedom that will linger long after you leave. You’ll fly into Oslo with time to explore its galleries, museums and restaurants, before setting off for your fjord adventure – one we’re sure you won’t want to end.
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