9 Life-Changing Holiday Excursions Every Traveller Should Add to Their Bucket List

According to a famous saying, "The world is a book, and those who don’t travel read only one page." Travelling is more than just seeing new places — it has the power to transform and open our eyes to new sights, sounds, and stories that shift our perspectives. 

What makes a trip life-changing varies from person to person. For some, it could be the thrill of adventure; for others, it could be the chance to interact with a different culture or visit a new continent. But every journey has the potential to be a chapter you’ll never forget.

With the world at your fingertips, picking the perfect destination can be challenging. Don’t worry, this blog will guide you through some of the most transformative excursions the globe has to offer. Better still, we’ll show you how to upgrade these experiences with Business Class flight deals.

African Safari Holidays

If you can list the bare necessities better than Mowgli in The Jungle Book or sing the Hakuna Matata like Simba in The Lion King, a trip to Africa is just what you need.

The heart of an African safari lies in its wildlife. Every safari enthusiast hopes to spot The Big Five – lions, leopards, rhinoceroses, elephants, and Cape buffalo. But the African plains are teeming with life beyond those iconic creatures. From graceful giraffes and zebras to playful meerkats and majestic cheetahs, each encounter results in moments that resonate long after you've returned home.

For a more intimate experience, consider a walking safari, where expert guides lead you on foot for a closer look at nature’s smallest details. If you're in South Africa, combine your safari with a visit to the Winelands or Cape Town for a well-rounded adventure.

It’s best to visit during the dry season (May to October) for a memorable African Safari holiday, when wildlife gathers around waterholes, making game viewing easier.

For comfortable African Safari holidays, you can fly from London to Cape Town or Johannesburg using Avios reward seats. Off-peak return Premium Economy seats cost 95,000 Avios plus £355, while Business Class seats cost 180,000 Avios plus £475. These are very popular Avios redemptions, so be sure to use Reward Flight Finder (RFF) to set Alerts 11 months in advance. 

Diving in the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Imagine swimming alongside Nemo and Dory. Dive into the Great Barrier Reef and you might just meet some of their relatives. Home to a wide variety of sea life, including 400 types of coral, 1,500 species of fish, 4,000 species of mollusc, 133 species of sharks and rays, and 30 species of whales and dolphins, the Great Barrier Reef is the world's largest coral system. With 1,400 miles of diverse marine environments, there’s always something new to see and explore.

When visiting the Great Barrier Reef, take a day trip to Fitzroy Island or Heron Island for a relaxing tropical getaway amid beautiful sandy beaches and stunning snorkelling spots. You could also book a whale-watching tour and spot majestic Humpback Whales, including the famous all-white whale, Migaloo. And don’t miss a scenic flight over Heart Reef, where the heart-shaped coral formation makes for a breathtaking view.

Fly from London to Sydney, then take a domestic flight to Cairns to begin your adventure. Off-peak return Business Class seats for the London-Sydney route will set you back 290,000 Avios plus £775. As with South Africa, Australia is a hugely popular reward seat redemption, so set RFF Alerts up to a year ahead for the best chance of snapping these up. 

Bangkok's Dinner Cruise & Floating Markets

Known as the “Land of a Thousand Smiles,” Thailand is a sensory overload with plenty to do. But one of the most unforgettable experiences is a sail down the Chao Phraya River on a dinner cruise. While you can choose from several dinner cruise options, the Chao Phraya Princess Dinner Cruise not only promises delicious bites but also provides a front-row seat to some of Bangkok’s most storied landmarks, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun.

Spanning a two-hour journey along the Chao Phraya River, the cruise includes a buffet featuring local favourites including Pad Thai, Mango sticky rice, and papaya green salad, as well as live music, and beautiful views of Bangkok’s twinkling skyline. Perfect for those looking for a relaxing night on the water.

Afterwards, you can engage in friendly haggling with fruit and flower sellers on the famous floating markets such as Amphawa and Damnoan Saduak. 

You can fly from London to Bangkok with Business Class flight deals using 200,000 Avios plus £575 for off-peak return Avios reward seats. 

The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall of China has come to define longevity and endurance. First constructed around 2,500 years ago, this mega structure spans 13,170 miles and is one of the Wonders of the World. We suggest exploring the Badaling and Mutianyu sections for the best hiking experience and memorable photos. If you prefer walking along the less travelled path of the Wall, try the Jiankoi section. 

If you want to attempt something different, try the night tour. For that, you’ll have to pass through Gubei Water Town to access the Simatai section of the Great Wall which allows night tours. Spend a night on the wall under the stars for a truly life-changing experience. 

China’s capital city Beijing is just 1.5 hours away from the Wall. You can fly there with 180,000 Avios plus £450 for Business Class BA seats.

Zip-lining Over Dubai Marina

For those wanting to channel their inner Superman, it doesn't get better than flying at over 80 km/hr while zip-lining at 170 metres over the Dubai Marina. Extra points if you can stretch your arms out by your side to do the Superman pose. Be sure to keep your eyes open as there will be a Go-Pro camera attached to your helmet capturing all your expressions. 

The XLine Dubai Marina is one of the longest urban zip lines in the world where you can zip at breathtaking speeds while enjoying a bird's eye view of skyscrapers and yachts dotting the waterfront. You can also share the experience with a friend as dual zip lines allow you to race side by side. It's a must-try for those wanting to add a unique adventure to their Dubai visit.

You can fly from London to Dubai on Premium Economy with 85,000 Avios plus £305, and Business Class seats for 160,000 Avios plus £375. 

The Maharajas Express and the Taj Mahal, India

Journey back to a bygone era aboard the Maharajas' Express, a lavish train that feels like a rolling royal palace. The train’s luxury cabins, exquisite dining, and impeccable service take you back in time to the Indian royalty’s lavish lifestyle.

One of the highlights of this trip is a stop at the Taj Mahal in Agra, one of the Wonders of the World. No trip to India is complete without a visit to this icon. Insider tip: visit the guesthouse that leads to the Taj Mahal from the east side during sunrise to capture the monument in a beautiful golden hue. If you're interested in intricate details, the view from the mosque on the west side provides perfect angles of the stunning decorations. 

Fly from London to Delhi with Avios in Premium Economy reward seats for 95,000 Avios plus £355 or choose Business Class for 180,000 Avios plus £475. 

Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building, New York

Few places beat the 86th-floor observation deck of the Empire State Building for panoramic views of The Big Apple. Catch the sunset from this iconic spot for a skyline photo that’s truly postcard-worthy.  

To avoid long queues, consider booking your tickets online in advance and arriving early in the morning or late at night for a quieter experience. Once you’ve soaked in the Art Deco style, head over to another iconic New York landmark, the Statue of Liberty. Perched atop Liberty Island, the monument is open all year round and can be visited via boat. Again, try to take the first ferry of the day to avoid crowds and enjoy unobstructed photos of the monument. For a unique perspective, capture the statue from the water as you approach, with the Manhattan skyline in the background. 

You can fly from London to New York City with Avios with Premium Economy reward seats for 85,000 Avios plus £305, or Business Class for 160,000 Avios plus £375. 

The Vatican and Colosseum

Although every inch of “The Eternal City” is filled with buildings and structures worth seeing, no trip to Rome is complete without visiting the Vatican City. The city-state within the city is home to some of the most significant artefacts and paintings, none more awe-inspiring than St. Peter's Basilica or the Sistine Chapel. It’s usually crowded, so be sure to carry fluids and to dress properly to avoid embarrassment as it’s a place of worship.

Keep in mind that no photographs are allowed in the Sistine Chapel so just try to be in the moment and store the memories in your mind. If you're a fan of Rome's rich gladiatorial heritage, visit the Colosseum and relive the grandeur of Roman architecture. While it’s always crowded, try to avoid visiting during the summer when it can get really hot. 

You can fly from London to Rome for 23,500 Avios plus £1 for off-peak Economy reward seats. 

Grand Canyon Tours

If you want to see what the world must have looked like billions of years ago, there's no better place than the Grand Canyon. Whether you take a raft ride on the Colorado River or go backpacking on the Deer Creek trail, you’ll surely come away with an appreciation for nature and a life-changing experience.

For beginners, hiking till the Oh La La point should be a good excursion. Make sure you stay till sunset to catch the landscape’s awe-inspiring natural beauty. For more experienced adventurers, longer hikes, camping options, and even helicopter rides are available, but to truly get the measure of the Grand Canyon, travelling through it via the Colorado River in a dory is an unforgettable adventure. 

Book well in advance as these trips can sell out fast. They also provide all meals and riverside camping options.

Fly from London to Phoenix to begin your Grand Canyon tour. Premium Economy reward seats cost 95,000 Avios plus £355, while Business Class seats are 180,000 Avios plus £475. 

So, there you have it. With Avios reward seats, these extraordinary destinations are within reach. Make your next trip genuinely life-changing by exploring the world's wonders in comfort.