Australia, on Location
The recent movie may have flopped, but the dramatic backdrop beckons. This trip puts you on location in the Kimberley where many of the film Australia's scenes were shot, such as Purnululu National Park (also known as the Bungle Bungles), the Gibb River Road, the Pentecost River, and Darwin. Essential Down Under: "Australia—See the Movie Sites," 14 days; $4,223.
A Different Amazon
Plunge yourself in Peru's Amazon through its indigenous people, flora, and fauna on this custom itinerary. Walk 10 stories above the rain forest floor, where more than 2,000 epiphytic plants may cling to one tree branch. You'll meet with a local shaman and work with villagers on community projects such as planting a butterfly garden for the local kindergarten. International Expeditions: "Amazon Workshops: Rain Forest Educational Adventure, Peru," 9 days; $2,398.
Romantic Russia
Travel on the legendary Trans-Siberian Railway across 6,000 miles and seven time zones from Vladivostok to Moscow. Highlights include a picnic lunch on the shores of Lake Baikal and a folk performance by Russian Orthodox Old Believers in the Siberian village of Ulan Ude. Russian expert George Munro accompanies this trip. National Geographic Expeditions: "Trans-Siberia Rail Journey, Russia," 17 days; from $16,850.
Rural Rajasthan
Anchored by the classic sites of Agra, Jaipur, Jodhpur, and Udaipur, this Rajasthan journey takes side trips to villages such as Chandelao, where the local Rajput ruler has converted his garh (fortress-style house) into a hotel that has brought jobs to the region. The outfitter matches client donations to local projects. Imaginative Traveller: "Amongst the Maharajahs, India," 21 days; $2,385.
Central America Expedition
Cruise the wild coasts of Panama and Costa Rica on the 60-passenger Sea Voyager, starting with a transit through the legendary canal. From the World Heritage site Isla Coiba to Manuel Antonio National Park, you'll kayak, swim in waterfalls, horseback ride, and view the diverse wildlife, including three-toed sloths, howler monkeys, and more than 300 species of birds. At press time, the operator was offering a 25 percent discount and a $500 air credit on select departures. Lindblad: "The Panama Canal and the Wonders of Costa Rica," 8 days; $4,660.
New Zealand, at Your Own Pace
Drive the circumference of New Zealand's South Island. Starting in Christchurch, drive along the coast to Oamaru, home of the Moeraki Boulders, across Southland to Lake TeAnau and Milford Sound. Save some energy for bungee jumping in Wanaka, Queensland, before you head for the west coast to explore the Franz Josef and Fox glaciers. Aspire Down Under: "Self Drive: 12-day South Island Circumnavigate," 12 days; $799.
Action-Packed Africa
Here's an itinerary that will keep the whole family engaged: from meerkat mania in the Kalahari Desert to game drives in Botswana's Okavango Delta to an optional micro-lite flight over Victoria Falls, and finally, a stint helping out with the Maputaland Sea Turtle project in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Lodgings include stays at camps run by Wilderness Safaris, known for its community programs. One is Children in the Wilderness, which introduces kids whose lives have been affected by illness and poverty to the healing power of nature. Mango African Safaris: "Look, Listen & Learn: Southern Africa Family Safari," 12 days; $5,400.
All quoted prices are starting rates, per person, based on double occupancy, subject to change, and do not include airfare to the destination. Prices are accurate as of press time.
