12 Amazing Experiential Trips for 2020

Savor traditional Indian flavors and take hands-on cooking classes with Modern Adventure’s culinary trip through India. Nina Compton, a James Beard Award-winner in 2018, leads this 12-day adventure from New Delhi with stops in Jodhpur, Chanod, Udaipur, Mumbai and Jamtara. Between fabulous meals — many prepared in family homes— travelers explore ancient temples and bazaars and journey from bustling Mumbai to a quiet camp in Jamtara, where local naturalists point out monkeys, deer, eagles and other wildlife. Lucky tourists might even see one of the 55 Bengal tigers that live in nearby Pench Tiger Reserve.

You don't have to travel around the world for a great travel experience. Explore the Gullah-Geechee culture, which arrived with West African slaves in the 1700s, in South Carolina's Lowcountry. Start with the Culinary Experience Package at Charleston's French Quarter Inn. It's led by a renowned Gullah chef who'll guide you through a local farmers' market or farm to shop for fresh ingredients. After he gives you a private cooking lesson in an elegant Charleston home, you'll feast on a traditional Gullah meal. Later, visit the historic Andrew Pinckney Inn and book a 90-minute workshop with Gullah artist Lynnette Youson, whose work is on exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. She'll teach you to weave a basket to take home as a keepsake.

A National Geographic Iceland Family Journey centered on Geysers, Glaciers and Fjords is a great choice for adventurous adults and kids. You'll soak in hot springs, learn about Viking life, go on a whale-watching excursion and sample traditional Icelandic bread from a geothermal bakery among other fun activities.

It’s been said the saltwater is the cure for anything. Let the healing properties of the Pacific Ocean (and the stoke of riding a wave!) soothe your soul during one of the many destination trips or retreats with SwellWomen which offers surf, yoga and wellness travel for women, men and couples.