23 dream vacations for travelers to explore in 2018

Travel Leaders Network – one of the travel industry's largest travel agency organizations, recently released its 2018 "Bucket List" vacations recommended by its travel advisors. In conjunction with its supplier partners, Travel Leaders Network's Bucket List highlights 23 unique vacation packages to some of the most spectacular destinations in the world, including: a helicopter sightseeing flight over the Okavango Delta, exploring the sights and architecture of futuristic Singapore, finding handcrafted treasures in the pottery-making village of Kyauk Myaung, feasting on the local cuisine during a city tour of Manila, experiencing the adventure and wildlife sightings in Antarctica, and taking a catamaran cruise to the Great Barrier Reef for an unforgettable snorkeling excursion.

"It's a big world, and it can be challenging for travelers to narrow down ideas for their dream vacations. We're happy to help fuel those dreams with the 2018 Travel Leaders Network Bucket List, which provides travelers with our travel agents' recommendations for the year's top luxury experiences," said Roger E. Block, CTC, President of Travel Leaders Network. "Travel Leaders Network travel agents pride themselves on their in-person, hands-on knowledge of many destinations, in order to provide their clients with accurate recommendations based on their personal experiences." 

Some notable trips from each continent featured include:

Antarctica
Explore the End of the World in Antarctica and Patagonia: Travel Leaders Network clients will cruise the grandeur of Antarctica and the natural splendors of Patagonia on an ultra-luxury Seabourn voyage. Guests will experience a 21-day journey that includes opportunities for frequent wildlife sightings from the ship and on shore, a chance to see the glaciers and fjords of Patagonia with a visit to the remote Falkland Islands and so much more.

Africa
Safari Through Africa's Unspoiled Wilderness: This 12-day tour travels through Zambia, Botswana and South Africa to bring you up close and personal with wildlife – and locals – in a variety of innovative ways. Adventurers will explore via helicopter, use thermal imaging cameras and night vision goggles, and go back in time travelling aboard a vintage 1920s steam train. They will even experience a traditional braai, a traditional South African barbecue hosted by a local family.

Australia
Discover Nature in Queensland: Explore stunning beaches, tropical islands, vast outback, ancient rainforests and five World Heritage Sites in the place with 300 days of sunshine a year. The 7-day Luxury Lizard Island & Rainforest Hideaway cruise sails passengers through the Great Barrier Reef and other stunning natural wonders, such as the Daintree Rainforest and Mossman Gorge.

Asia
Experience Classic China and the Yangtze River: For those longing to experience China's most historic sites and the beauty of its scenery is a 12-day Globus tour that will take them through six nights in Beijing, two nights in Xi'an, and finishing with a three-night cruise through several breathtaking gorges down the Yangtze River. The trip includes intimate tours of all the top sites: The Great Wall, Forbidden City, Tian'anmen Square, the Terracotta Warriors, Shanghai's Yuyuan Gardens and more.

Europe
Romantic Danube River Cruise: Guests selecting this 8-day dream river cruise with Viking River Cruises will experience the medieval towns, grand cities and stunning scenery on the "Blue Danube." They will savor the tastes of authentic dishes, learn about local legends and understand why Johann Strauss II immortalized the "Blue Danube" in his famous melody. On this trip, participants will also explore both sides of Hungary's capital, experience Vienna's imperial architecture and gracious culture, tour riverside towns in Austria's Wachau Valley and explore a baroque cathedral while strolling cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses.

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