Everyone dreams of the perfect vacation – whether that means relaxing on a secluded beach or discovering hidden treasures. There seems to be something extra special about exploring foreign lands, but planning the perfect tour in a strange area can easily turn into a daunting or dangerous task.

Fortunately, there are hundreds of travel agencies and tour groups around the world striving to bring fun, safe, and educational tours to anyone who wishes to travel. It is one thing to visit another country, but actually experiencing another culture is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

In this two-part series, we’re excited to bring you our favorite “once in a lifetime” tour opportunities. We’ll embark on our journey by first exploring the Western world.

Along the Americas’ Coasts

The Along the Americas’ Coasts tour is hosted by Maris Freighter & Specialty Cruises. This South Seas tour leaves from New York every six weeks and lasts an astounding 42 days roundtrip. Those who wish a shorter trip may wait to board in Florida for the 34-day voyage.

This is not your average cruise, as you’ll actually be aboard a large freightliner with only four cabins – one is double occupancy and three are single. Travelers will travel with large cargo containers, but are permitted to walk past them to the ship’s bow when the weather is nice. Travelers will spend most of their time on the ship’s decks, playing shuffleboard and mingling with the other passengers.

This tour includes, amongst many others, stops in Baltimore, MD; Cartagena, Colombia; Manzanillo, Panama (as you cross the Panama Canal); Guayaquil, Ecuador; and San Vicente, Chile.

Royal Canadian Rockies Experience

The Royal Canadian Rockies Experience is proudly presented by the Royal Canadian Pacific, one of the largest luxury train lines in the world. This tour only leaves three times in 2008, but offers travelers and incredible five night/six day excursion that they will not be able to forget.

The train line will take carry you safely along the Canadian Pacific Railway line, escorting you through terrain that you might not have ever been able to see otherwise. You’ll enjoy the breathtaking Rockies, the astounding Yoho and Banff National Parks, the looming Lake Louise, and so much more! The crisp mountain air, incredible scenery, and sparkling night sky will make you wish you never had to leave.

In between sight-seeing stops, you’ll be treated to a luxurious train experience. You’ll travel in a private stateroom, experience personal service rivaling that of any 5-star hotel, and dine in some of the finest moving restaurant rail cars in existence. This is a trip you don’t want to miss!

Andes to Amazon, Ecuador

BikeHike Adventures has planned the perfect tour for those looking for an active vacation experience. The Andes to the Amazon tour consists of 10 days chock full of biking, rafting, hiking, inner-tubing, and horseback riding.

This tour is designed to introduce all that South America has to offer. You’ll mountain bike through villages, raft along the Jatunyacu River, and hike through the Amazon Jungle – and that’s only the beginning!

An incredible opportunity for the adventurous, the Andes to Amazon tour is recommended for those who are physically fit and able to participate in 10 days of activity. The tour includes drives to some destinations, but most adventures include at least three hours of biking or hiking. Thankfully, all of the meals are included and there will be a comfortable hotel bed waiting for you at the end of each day.

Destination: Mexico

Culture Xplorers runs regular trips through Mexico, but with a fondness for teaching visitors about the true culture and diversity nestled within the country. The trip features stops in three completely unique cities: Oaxaca, Mexico City, and Chiapas.

Along the way you’ll stop by the craft villages of Oaxaca, witness the spectator sports of Mexico City, and visit with the caretakers of the patron saints in Tenejapa. Local tour guides and experts will spend time explaining the cultural significance of each event you participate in, including a lively fiesta!

These tours can be arranged in 9, 11, or 14-day increments, with several incredible options. Those who wish to immerse themselves in the true life experience might want to stay for a few days with a host family in Oaxaca. Others may opt to have lunch with a local artist. The sky is the limit with Culture Xplorers!

Find discount Mexico City hotels

Coiba Island: The Hidden Dive Secret of the Decade

Wild Planet Adventures will gladly take you to Panama where you’ll visit Coiba Island for the ultimate 6-day diving experience. Trips to the island leave each and every day as long as there are 2-4 passengers ready to take the trip out.

Once you reach Coiba Island, you’ll find yourself captivated by its rich history. Before it was a marine preserve, Coiba Island spent nearly 100 years serving as a prison colony. The remote island is safe from hurricanes and was long left undisturbed, allowing its 1.1 million acres time to build into one of the most pristine reefs in the world.

The trip starts in Panama City. On the second day you’ll be transported to Coiba Island, where you’ll be able to participate in three dives per day for the duration of your trip. On the fifth day you’ll visit Santa Catalina, another great dive destination, before being returned to Panama City on the 6^th day. Divers will love this trip!

These are just a few of the incredible tour opportunities available to visitors to the Western world. Each is significant in its own right, promising experiences and memories you’ll never forget.

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