Whether you’re going to Colorado, Down Under, or Bali, you want to make the most out of your vacay. Sometimes by adding a little something, you can make it one that is unforgettable. Since I know my peer travel writer, Daniel Trident, has the Midas touch, I asked him to share his expertise on making your vacation one to remember.

Enjoy Dan’s travel tips for day excursions that will make your vacation unforgettable!

When we head away on luxury vacations in hot destinations, surprisingly few of us plan ahead. We tend to assume that we will simply stay at the resort that we have booked to stay in, lounge by the pool and sip cocktails. Some of us will stray to a local beach for a dip in the sea. But this is a shame, as most stunning destinations are located relatively close to other notable places and you should make the most of your trip by visiting them. So, if you want to incorporate a day or two of adventure into your getaway, here are a couple of ideas to get you started on the right foot!

Kuta to Gili Islands

If you’re spending the bulk of your vacation in Kuta, Bali, chances are that you’d doubt things could get any better. But there is a special excursion that could make your trip even more memorable. Consider travelling from Kuta to Gili Islands. The Gili Islands are a group of three tiny islands that are renowned for their calm turquoise waters, powder soft white sands, and coconut palms. They truly are a picture of paradise. Now, Kuta is already a relatively exclusive destination. It’s the only airport is only recently built and, though now fully operational, is nowhere near as busy as Bali’s main airport and the places that it flies out to are limited. So, if you want to access the Gili Islands, you’re going to have to look for alternative means of transport to a flight. One option is to book a private car and speedboat package. The private car will pick you up from Kuta and drive you to Teluk Nare Harbour (around a two-hour drive), where a speedboat will be waiting to take you on a five to ten-minute ride across the Gili Islands. If you are hesitant to take a speedboat, an alternative option is to go to Senggigi, where you can take a fast boat to Gili Islands. Sure, this may sound like a fair bit of travel for a day trip, but the islands that await are more than worth your patience.

Hurghada to Cairo 

Pyramids_Egypt_Image

Hurghada in Egypt is a stunning coastal town that has been built from the ground up with tourists in mind. Stunning hotels line the seafront and there are plenty of excursions such as swimming with wild dolphins, glass bottom boats, and dune buggies through the nearby desert to keep you occupied. However, if you want a truly cultural experience, consider a day trip to Cairo. This will take you to see the great wonder of Ancient Egypt, including the world-renowned Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx. Now, this trip entails a six-hour coach ride, however, this coach leaves in the early hours of the morning when you would usually be asleep and you can always get your head down and wake up in Cairo as opposed to your hotel room. Alternatively, flights are available at a slightly higher cost!

These are just a couple of notable day excursions from around the world that you might want to incorporate into your travels. They’ll give your trip that extra experience to make it truly memorable!

**Post contributed by Daniel Trident, a U.K. based luxury travel writer.**