Cape Town - Recent research by youth travel operator Contiki has revealed that the most desired travel experience for 18-35 year olds in 2017 is to bathe in Iceland's famous Blue Lagoon.
The survey polled over 5 000 young people around the world in the development of 'The No Regrets List', the top 20 travel experiences in 2017.
While creating the list, the brand also wanted to understand the motivators behind why young people travel, and what type of experiences they want out of life.
To learn about new cultures was far and beyond the strongest motivator, however 74 percent of respondents indicated that social experiences were the most valuable, ahead of cultural, culinary, intellectual, adrenaline and spiritual.
the top 5 travel experiences are...
1 Bathe in the Blue Lagoon in Iceland
Those landscapes and that awe inspiring natural light show - of course Iceland is a close second on our list and specifically, the dreamy Blue Lagoon. Silica, Algae and Minerals are all active materials in the lagoon making it a killer natural skin regime, whilst the water temperature hovers around a balmy 37-40 degrees. And if you think the idea of bathing with 50 other people at one time is a bit gross, don't - the water is self-cleansing, renewing itself every 40 hours.
2 See the Great Pyramids of Giza
One of the most magnificent wonders on the planet, the Great Pyramids of Giza define bucket list goals. Built over 5000 years ago, the oldest and largest of the pyramids is the Great Pyramid, the only surviving structure of the seven ancient wonders of the world. Nestled on the west bank of the Nile and on the fringes of the expansive Sahara Desert, jump on board a camel and go capture yourself the ultimate selfie...
3 Walk the Great Wall of China
Move over all other walls of the world because you will Never beat the greatest (and longest) of them all - the Great Wall of China. Weighing in at a staggering 21 196 kilometres long and with over 2 300 years under its belt, the Great Wall is the world's most awe inspiring feat of ancient defensive architecture, built by multiple dynasties to protect different territorial borders. The phrase 'they don't make them life they used to' springs to mind...
4 Chill out on the beach in Byron Bay
Golden expanses of sand, chilled back hippy vibes and hands down some of the best food in Oz - this is Byron Bay. All those dreams you've been harbouring of running away and living the surf bum lifestyle? This is the place to do it. Spend your morning kayaking the mangroves and dolphin spotting, cycle on over to Tallows beach for secluded beach hangs, then end the day watching the sun set from the vantage point of the lighthouse. Travel goals? You betcha.
5 Learn how to make pizza in Italy
Pizza and Italy - two words that have been synonymous with each other since, well, forever. Get to grips with the country's most famous export (soz pasta, you're a close second) with a hands on cookery lesson, taught by the experts themselves - the locals. Learn to knead your dough just the right way, dollop on the perfect tomato sauce, and season with all the cheese and basil you can dream of. Margherita mamma mia!
Adapted from a press release for IOL