3 Unique Travel Experiences for Digital Nomads

As a digital nomad, the freedom and flexibility of remote work can be a dream come true. But it can also be easy to fall into a routine of staring at screens and losing touch with the world around you. That’s why it’s important to take a break and explore new places and adventures.

In this post, I’ll share 3 travel experiences from around the world that are often overlooked but sure to elevate your next trip. These bucket list adventures are perfect for digital nomads and anyone else looking to recharge and find inspiration. Don’t settle for the ordinary, instead come uncover some of the world’s best-kept secrets, personally recommended by me.

3 Travel Experiences to Add to your Bucket List:

1. Sailing from Panama to Colombia

Are you craving travel experiences that will take your breath away and leave you with memories to last a lifetime? Look no further than a sailing journey from Panama to Colombia (or vice versa), exploring the stunning San Blas islands. Picture yourself cruising through the Caribbean Sea on a sailboat, discovering some of the most beautiful islands in the world.

The San Blas Islands

The San Blas islands, an archipelago of over 360 islands, are located off the coast of Panama and Colombia. With 49 of them inhabited, these islands offer white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making them a true paradise.

For digital nomads and travelers looking for a unique way to explore this incredible area, sailing from Panama to Colombia is a perfect opportunity. Not only is it one of the best bucket list adventures but also a convenient and alternative way to travel between the two countries.

Better than flying

While in Panama City, we were considering our options for traveling to Colombia. As we compared prices, we stumbled upon this sailing opportunity. At that time, the cost for two people coming in around $550 (excluding the Kuna local tax), was almost the same as flying. As we had always been interested in discovering the San Blas islands, at least for a day trip, we decided to jump on the opportunity. And boy, are we glad we did! It truly was a gold strike for us. Our boat, Amande, became our home for the next few days, shared with 7 other travellers, and we had one of the best travel experiences that we will never forget.

Island Hopping and Crossing Adventure

The first night may feel weird, sleeping on the water, but your body quickly adjusts. During the 5-day journey, you’ll be taken care of by a professional chef and a skipper who will ensure a comfortable and safe passage. The skipper will plan the route and which islands we visit, while the chef will prepare delicious fresh meals for you to enjoy on board. With their knowledge and experience, you can be sure that your trip will be one of your favorite unforgettable travel experiences.

As you sail, you’ll have the chance to spot an array of wildlife, including dolphins, sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles. Also, keep an eye out for the majestic humpback whales that migrate through the area in the winter. We spent hours sitting on the deck looking around and feeling happy.

But it’s not just about admiring the views from the boat. You’ll also have the opportunity to island hop and explore secluded beaches, swim, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters. The wind in your hair and sun on your skin as you make your way through the tropical paradise, experiencing the hospitality of the Kuna people who inhabit the islands.

The two last days of the trip were spent crossing the high sea. It was an indescribable feeling to be alone in the middle of the sea with no land in sight. The skipper even allowed us to take watch at night, which made the experience even more special. Throughout the entire journey, we felt truly blessed and couldn’t imagine a better way to discover this part of the world.

This sailing journey between Panama and Colombia is the perfect opportunity for travellers, digital nomads and anyone seeking a new adventure. If you are interested in more details, check out this blog article about the San Blas islands and the crossing.

2. San Gil, Colombia’s adventure capital

San Gil is the ultimate destination for nomads looking for adrenaline-fueled adventures and a break from their laptops. Nestled in the picturesque region of Santander, this vibrant city, known as the adventure capital of Colombia, offers an array of exciting outdoor activities, at affordable prices, making it one of the best travel experiences for budget-conscious travellers.

We heard about San Gil from another traveler while traveling through Colombia and decided to give it a try. So here we are, boarding a night bus from Santa Marta, excited to discover a less-known part of the country. Another way to reach the city is by flying into Bucaramanga airport and taking a short taxi ride to the city center.

Was San Gil a good recommendation? Absolutely. From bungee jumping from a cable car to white water rafting down a raging river, San Gil will have your adrenaline pumping. The more daring traveler can also take to the skies with a paragliding experience, for stunning views of the verdant valleys and countryside of Santander. I am not an adrenaline junkie, but we did it all.

Paragliding

Don’t ask me how I ended up at the top of a hill, ready to take flights, but that’s exactly where I found myself.

Our launch site was perched high on a hill, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding valleys and countryside of the scenic Chicamocha Canyon. My instructor was calm and reassuring. As I listened carefully, I couldn’t help but feel my nerves start to build. But before I knew it, I was running towards the edge of the hill, taking that leap of faith and hoping for the best.

And it was the best. The sensation of soaring through the air, gliding alongside the birds is truly indescribable. The peacefulness and serenity of being up in the air, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, was magical. You feel like the only things that exist are the wind, the clouds and your glider. It’s as if time stood still and nothing else mattered.

As we approached the end of the experience, my instructor asked if I was ready for an extra dose of adrenaline. I am still not sure why I nodded in agreement. With a grin, he took control of the paraglide and began performing a few exhilarating maneuvers, spinning us around in the sky. Then despite the unpredictable winds, we made a smooth landing back on solid ground.

Whether you are young or old, brave or cautious, paragliding in San Gil is one of these bucket list adventures that truly should not be missed. With a flight time of around 20 minutes and a COP 200,000 (€40) price tag worth every penny, soaring above the majestic canyon is one of these travel experiences that will last a lifetime.

White-water rafting

We kicked off our second adventure day with a thrilling white-water rafting excursion on the Suarez River. We were unsure of what to expect when we signed up with Colombia Rafting Expeditions, but we were in for a wild ride. For just COP 220,000 (around €44) per person, we got a full day of adventure, including transportation, an English-speaking guide, a delicious lunch, and all the necessary gear.

As we signed the waivers, we realized we should maybe have been more prepared. Suarez River is one of the most renowned and biggest rafted rivers in the world, with class IV-V rapids.

Once at the river, we received instructions and jumped into the boat. Our guide would be sitting in the back of the raft, shouting out commands and helping us steer the boat through the rapids.

“Inside, inside, to the left” You just follow the instructions as if your lives were on the line. And in a way, they were. On the day we went down, the water level was at its highest limit before being deemed unsafe for rafting, making for an intense and thrilling ride.

I don’t think I’ve ever had as much adrenaline as I did that day. The water was so powerful, the boat capsized twice, and it felt like we were constantly fighting against the river. We battled through 3-meter-high waves and witnessed the raw force of the river. To cap off this exhilarating day, we shared local foods and cold beers by the river’s edge.

It was surreal and I would do it again in a heartbeat. The pictures above which we received the next day, speak for themselves.

Bungee jumping

Well, I said we did all three travel experiences, but I didn’t take the plunge, Nicky did. We both went to the bungee jumping site, where we hopped into the cable car that would take us across to a dizzying 140-meter drop above the canyon. Just the thought of it was enough to make my knees weak.

But suddenly there we were. Nicky spreading his arms out like wings and taking the leap, defying all sense (according to me). The platform swayed a lot, and I found myself holding my breath, asking the crew if he was still alive. I couldn’t bring myself to look over the edge.

When he came back, he was amazed by this travel experience. The exhilaration on his face was evident and I could see the thrill in his eyes. He couldn’t stop raving about the experience and even started researching other bungee jumping locations around the world. It’s safe to safe that bungee jumping in San Gil is a must-do for adventure seekers looking for a heart-pumping outdoor thrill.

The cost of the jump is COP 80,000 (around €15), and for an additional COP 20,000, you can rent a Go-Pro camera to capture the moment. It’s really a small price to pay, compared to other locations.

So, whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, an off-the-beaten-path experience, or something more laid-back, San Gil has something for everyone and these travel experiences should be high on your list.

3. Discover the Thai version of the Maldives

The Similan Islands are one of the best travel experiences in Thailand often overshadowed by more popular destinations like Koh Phi Phi or Koh Phangan. But for those in the know, these islands offer some of the most breathtaking scenery and vibrant marine life in the country.

The Similan Islands are a group of nine islands located in the Andaman Sea, northwest of Phuket. They are home to an abundance of biodiversity, making them a top destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the islands are teeming with vibrant colours, schools of tropical fish, and an array of marine life that will leave speechless.

The Similan Islands on a day trip

Just before flying back home for Christmas last year, we decided to take a day trip to the Similan Islands. It was one of the travel experiences that had been on our bucket list for a while and finally, the opportunity had presented itself.

We booked our trip with Love Andaman, which included everything we needed for the perfect all-inclusive experience: transportation, snorkelling gear, food, and drinks, all for the price of €198 for two. Despite the large number of boats and people at the departure point, the tour organization was top-notch, and we never felt overwhelmed by the crowds.

As we reached the islands after an hour or so on a speed boat, the stunning blue waters left us in awe. Our tour took us to two snorkeling spots and two beaches. The Similan Islands are definitely the perfect way for digital nomads to disconnect from their screens.

And if you are interested in discovering more islands in Thailand, check out the 6 best islands in Thailand.

Final Thoughts on these 3 Unique Travel Experiences Around the World

I hope this post has inspired you to step outside of your comfort zone and explore more. As digital nomads, it’s essential to take a break from our laptops and immerse ourselves in the world around us.

While popular tourist destinations are fantastic, the real magic lies in uncovering bucket list adventures. They’re not only unique and inspiring but also ideal for anyone looking to recharge and come back to their work with a fresh perspective.

Don’t just stick to the usual, try something unique next time you plan your workstation!