Some challenges are defined by famous landmarks and big-name destinations. Maybe you’ve already ticked off a few dream challenges and are wondering what’s next? Or maybe you’re realising that a hidden gem feels more your style than a wonder of the world.
Beyond the Bucket List brings together challenges that offer equally unforgettable experiences – just ones you might not have considered! These itineraries immerse you in culture, introduce you to thrilling activities, connect you with local life and fresh breathtaking vistas. So, we thought it was time to give them a shout-out.
Paddle Challenges
This is paddling at its wildest. Journey 100km down the mighty Zambezi, sharing the river with hippos and crocodiles by day and sleeping under the stars by night, before taking on some of the world’s most famous white-water rapids beneath Victoria Falls.
10 days | Zambia | Challenging
Costa Rica: Volcanoes, Rafting and Rainforests
A world away from home; travel Costa Rica beyond the beaches on this coast-to-coast trekking and rafting challenge. From volcanic landscapes and indigenous communities to rainforest valleys and white-water rapids, this journey showcases the country’s extraordinary natural beauty, colourful cuisine, and thriving biodiversity.
10 days | Costa Rica | Tough
Cycle Challenges
Ride through the heart of Rajasthan on a journey that blends iconic landmarks with everyday India. From the marble of Taj Mahal to remote villages, desert roads and historic forts, this challenge offers an immersive cycle through vibrant landscapes, rich traditions, cuisine and a pace of life far removed from home.
10 days | India | Challenging
Cycle through Havana’s colourful streets to the beautiful Caribbean coast. Meander past fruit orchards, rural villages, and colonial towns, soaking up the culture, music, and history at every turn. With vintage cars, revolutionary landmarks, and lush countryside as your backdrop, this ride is as much a journey through Cuba’s soul as it is a cycling challenge.
10 days | Cuba | Challenging
Snow & Ice Challenges
Experience the thrill of summiting Jebel Toubkal, North Africa’s highest point, with sweeping views across snow-capped ridges and the distant Sahara. Between demanding climbs, wander glacial valleys and end each day in mountain refuges, before celebrating your journey amid the labyrinthine streets and scents of Marrakech.
6 days | Morocco | Extreme
Drive a team of huskies across 180km of pristine Swedish Lapland, navigating snow-covered forests, frozen lakes, and Arctic wilderness. Live off-grid in Sami teepees and wilderness cabins, care for your dogs, and marvel at elk, reindeer, and, if luck allows, the Northern Lights dancing overhead – a snow challenge like no other!
7 days | Sweden | Challenging
Trek Challenges
If you’re a true animal lover and an explorer at heart, there’s no better way to immerse yourself in the wild than trekking deep into Sumatran rainforest! Follow winding jungle trails and camp beneath the canopy. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for orangutans, gibbons, hornbills, and even the elusive tiger in one of the planet’s most unique and untouched ecosystems.
10 days | Indonesia | Tough
Discover Cuba on foot, trekking from Havana’s historic streets into the lush Escambray Mountains. Pass coffee and fruit plantations, hidden waterfalls, and tropical forests alive with wildlife, before ending in the colonial charm of Trinidad. A journey that blends Cuba’s rich culture with its stunning natural landscapes.
10 days | Cuba | Challenging
Trek the Accursed Albanian Alps
Explore the untamed beauty of the Albanian Alps, a hidden gem of Europe. Trek across jagged peaks, wildflower meadows and villages, following ancient trails that reveal breathtaking scenery and a traditional way of life, all within reach of home. Perfect for those who want to achieve a significant summit (Zla Kollata, Montenegro’s highest mountain at 2,534m) whilst delighting in the panoramic views of valleys and peaks painted with lush greenery.
8 days | Albania | Tough
Venture deep into Cambodia’s lush heartland, where emerald rice paddies, stilted villages, and tangled jungle paths lead you on a journey of discovery. Trek through sacred waterfalls and ancient temples, witness the Giant Sleeping Buddha carved from stone, and finally arrive at the breathtaking Angkor Wat. Along the way, savour traditional Khmer dishes, meet local artisans, and experience local life first-hand.
9 days | Cambodia | Challenging
Photo Credit: WENU Media Production
From the vibrant streets of Havana to the hidden trails of the Albanian Alps, the world is full of landscapes that challenge the body and stir the soul. These overseas challenges are more than just a physical test – they’re a journey into the heart of new cultures, nature, and history. All of which leave you full of new stories to tell, feeling invigorated, and that little bit more connected to our wonderful planet.
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