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24 Life-changing Trips Everyone Should Experience at Least Once

From African safaris to must-visit cities, these once-in-a-lifetime travel destinations will make you want to plan your next great adventure.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

What's next on your travel list? With so many places worth traveling to, it can be hard to narrow down your top spots to visit.

Sometimes, it's the famous attractions, delicious food, and stunning hotels that draw us to a certain destination, and other times, it's the bragging rights that come with checking off every continent, country, or state. Whatever your motivation, we've rounded up 24 incredible trips, complete with once-in-a-lifetime experiences and iconic sights you won't find anywhere else in the world.

So, what makes a trip truly life-changing? That answer varies from traveler to traveler, but one thing is for sure: From African safaris to classic road trips, this list will make you want to plan your next great adventure.

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Deciding between the historic cities of Rome, Venice, Naples, and Florence for the top destination to visit in Italy feels impossible, so the entire country deserves a spot on your list. Start in the Eternal City and head north through the rolling hills of Tuscany to visit Florence, followed by Milan or Venice, or go south to the beaches of the beautiful Amalfi Coast and Sicily.

New York, New York

Visiting the Statue of Liberty , standing at the top of the Empire State Building, walking across the Brooklyn Bridge: These are just a few of the things you can only do in New York City. Whether you dream of visiting all the places you've seen on screen, catching a Broadway show, or eating your way through the city's diverse neighborhoods, there's no doubt that NYC deserves a spot on your list.

Tokyo, Japan

Old and new come together in Japan's bustling capital city. Historic temples and shrines, busy shopping districts, delicious food, a huge music scene, and some of the world's best theme parks and attractions — whatever your interests, there's something for you in Tokyo .

Paris, France

From watching the Eiffel Tower sparkle and viewing famous works of art at world-renowned museums to eating delicious French pastries, there are innumerable reasons that Paris deserves a spot on your list. Of course, other dreamy French destinations like Mont-Saint-Michel, Chamonix, and the Riviera are well worth a visit, too.

Busy medinas, intricate architecture, and a unique combination of cultural influences make Morocco unlike anywhere else on the planet. Whether you're traveling to bustling Marrakesh, pretty coastal towns, or remote desert towns (or hopefully, all three), a trip to Morocco is bound to be one to remember.

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From the whitewashed homes of Santorini to the Ios party scene to the relaxing atmosphere of Milos, there's a perfect Greek Island for every type of traveler. Island hopping gives you the chance to experience more of what the country has to offer, but plan to spend a couple of days in Athens at the beginning and/or end of your trip.

Machu Picchu

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Seeing the historic ruins of the Incan Empire set among the breathtaking Andes at Machu Picchu is an undeniably life-changing experience. The stunning citadel ruins of Machu Picchu are worth the journey — and for some travelers, that trip, often taken by train or on foot as a multi-day trek, is a big part of the experience.

African Safari

Seeing majestic animals like lions, elephants, and rhinos in the wild is a dream best accomplished with an African safari . South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya are among the most popular safari destinations — and in each of those countries, you'll find incredible lodges and tour operators who can help you spot these creatures in their natural habitat.

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Whether you dream of cruising down the famed Nile River, seeing the Pyramids of Giza , or visiting the ancient Valley of the Kings, Egypt's historic wonders make the destination unlike any other (and worthy of a spot on your travel list).

The Maldives

Unlike many of the action-packed trips on this list, the Maldives is synonymous with relaxation, luxury, and romance. A stay in an overwater bungalow set atop turquoise blue waters is the ultimate getaway that's worth the long-haul flight and oftentimes pricey accommodations.

Antarctica Cruise

Hoping to visit all seven continents? Cross Antarctica off your list with a cruise. Several major cruise lines have journeys to Antarctica, offering incredible views of the ice and wildlife from the comfort and safety of a ship. Travelers typically fly in and out of Buenos Aires en route to Ushuaia (where most cruises depart from); we recommend spending a few days in the fascinating Argentine city before your expedition.

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Dubbed one of the natural wonders of the world, the Great Barrier Reef is a can't-miss for many wildlife lovers. Of course, Australia's gorgeous coastline, the iconic Sydney Opera House, and fuzzy creatures like kangaroos and koalas are also reasons to head to the destination. Fly into Sydney and spend a few days there before heading out to explore more of this expansive country teeming with natural beauty.

Galapagos Islands

Incredible and diverse plant and animal species make the Galapagos Islands another must-visit for nature-loving travelers. This stunning archipelago off the coast of Ecuador is best explored by cruise, so you can take in as many breathtaking landscapes and animals as possible during your trip.

Like the other countries on this list, India has countless destinations worth exploring, but one of the most famous attractions that travelers dream of seeing for themselves is the Taj Mahal. This 17th-century white marble mausoleum has drawn visitors to Agra for years. Luxury travelers might consider a train trip aboard the Maharajas' Express (with a stop at the Taj Mahal) as the ultimate experience. Travelers planning to visit the Taj Mahal or take the luxurious train ride will want to fly into Delhi, India's capital territory.

Petra, Jordan

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The stunning ancient city of Petra is made up of several impressive structures carved into sandstone rock faces, including the famous Al-Khazneh. The city dates back thousands of years, making this UNESCO World Heritage Site a must-visit for history buffs.

The Himalayas

Passing through India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Bhutan, and Nepal, the Himalayas are home to some of the world's highest peaks — and that means breathtaking mountain views, too. For adventurous and active travelers, trekking to Everest Base Camp is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

American National Park Road Trip

The classic American road trip is a mainstay on many travelers' lists — and for good reason. The country's incredible national parks , including Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite, are best explored on road trips with stops at charming small towns and kitschy roadside attractions.

Great Wall of China

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Stretching across China for thousands of miles, with sections dating back nearly 2,000 years, the Great Wall is regarded as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World . Visitors can hike along parts of the wall — some areas are located within driving distance of Beijing, so it's a perfect day trip from the city.

Easter Island

The hundreds of monolithic moai statues have drawn curious visitors to Easter Island for years. This remote Polynesian island is worth the lengthy trip for travelers hoping to see these impressive human figures while also soaking in some incredible coastal views.

Northern Lights Trip

Catching a glimpse of the elusive northern lights is possible in several destinations close to the Arctic Circle, including Alaska, Iceland, Canada, Greenland, Finland, Sweden, and Norway. All of these places have incredible viewpoints (and even hotels where you can see the phenomenon from your bed ), in addition to great wintry scenery. (The lights are best viewed from late fall through early spring.)

Thailand and Vietnam

A trip through Southeast Asia is a must for any traveler, especially foodies who love street eats. While you could spend weeks in each of these countries, Thailand and Vietnam can easily be paired for an exciting trip packed with lush scenery, cultural experiences, and delicious food. Have a little extra time to spare? Add Cambodia to the mix and include a visit to expansive Angkor Wat.

Cappadocia, Turkey

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Many travelers dream of experiencing this UNESCO site from high above in a hot air balloon. From this vantage point, you can really take in the unique rocky topography, dotted with fairy chimneys and pillars, river valleys, and cliffs. Because the region in central Turkey can experience snowy winters, it's best to book your hot air experience between April and November.

One of the most sparsely populated countries, Namibia's beauty can be relished with sweeping views of desolate, other-worldly landscapes. The southwestern African country is home to (and named after) the world's oldest desert, the Namib Desert, and the coast is also where you can see some of the world's largest sand dunes and incredible views of the desert meeting the Atlantic Ocean.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

With eye-catching architecture, enormous shopping centers, desert excursions, and plenty of beaches, Dubai offers diverse attractions for a wide array of travelers. The most temperate time to visit the hot city, which gets 300 days of sunshine, is from November to February, and winter is also when the Dubai Shopping Festival takes place.

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Here at Go Ahead, we make it easy to plan a tour. All you have to do is decide which of our travel packages excites you most, and when you’d like to travel. (A springtime escape to  Europe , anyone?) If you can’t decide, we’ll help you narrow down our vacation packages and find the perfect trip.

From there, we’ll take care of the rest. For travelers who book flights with us, our in-house team of travel experts will get to work finding flights with our trusted airline partners. And as you count down to tour, we’ll be busy booking clean, stylish, comfy hotels, planning meals at locally loved restaurants, and securing tickets to top museums, cultural sites, and, if it applies to your tour, special events.

Having our team of travel experts take care of every last logistical detail is one of  10 benefits of a guided tour versus independent travel .

How do I pick the right tour for me?

When browsing our 175-plus vacation packages, here are a few things to keep in mind to help you find the just-right tours for travel to the places you’ve been dreaming of visiting.

• Your travel style.  Are you into wildlife, adventure, or food and wine? Do you want to take a deep dive into a particular destination or religion?  Want to experience a special event, or explore with a small group? We offer escorted tours designed around these  travel styles  and others so that travelers can have the experience that suits them best.
• Where you want to go.  Whether you’ve long dreamed of exploring America’s national parks, Scotland’s pristine landscapes, or Thailand’s golden temples, you can do it on our guided tours. Some of our itineraries are designed to offer travelers a deeper dive into a single country. Others take travelers to multiple countries in a single trip (think Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, or Portugal, Spain, and Morocco).
• When you want to go.  Sure, there’s nothing like Paris in the springtime. But maybe seeing the City of Light against a backdrop of fiery fall foliage is more what you have in mind. We’ll make that happen. We offer dozens of departures per tour, and in the case of some trips, we offer departures all year round. And, we make tours available for booking up to two years in advance. Having more time to pay, and more departure dates to choose from, are among the  eight benefits of booking a trip years in advance .
• Special or seasonal events.  Have you always wanted to see cherry blossoms blooming in Japan? Or sip hot, mulled wine while wandering around a  European Christmas market ? Perhaps witnessing the Great Migration is at the top of your travel wish list. Events like these, and others, only happen during certain times of year, so be sure to check out tour packages for travel that occur at the same time.
• Duration.  Our tours range from six days to 22 days. Want to enjoy a quick break? Consider our shorter tours, which we offer in destinations such as Iceland, Spain, and Amsterdam. Have more time to spare? A  10-day trip to Scandinavia , or a  22-day tour of Australia and New Zealand , could be just the ticket.
• Who you want to travel with.  Many of our group trips are designed for groups of 15 to 38 travelers. (Think: more opportunities to make new friends.) If you prefer a more intimate experience, consider one of our Small Group Tours, which are designed for groups of 10 to 22 travelers. Want to explore solely with your friends or family? We happily craft  Private Tours and Customized Tours for groups of seven travelers or more.

Our trips are bookable directly through our website. (Putting  $99 down with AutoPay , our interest-free payment plan, is all it takes to secure your spot on tour.) If you have questions or can’t decide which tour is right for you, you can call us at  1-800-590-1161 . We’re here to help.

We offer more than 200 tour packages. They include:

• Guided group tours.  These trips are designed for groups of 15 to 38 travelers and include  Multi-Country Tours , single-country tours, and  City Stay Tours , which give travelers an opportunity to explore a particular city in depth.
• Small Group Tours.  A more intimate tour experience with a group size of just 10 to 22 travelers.  Small group travel styles  include Food & Wine Tours, Adventure Tours, and Safari & Wildlife Tours.  
• Special Event Tours.  Typically capped at 35 or 38 travelers, these trips are designed to capture the magic of special and/or seasonal events, such as Oktoberfest, Oberammergau, New Year’s Eve, St. Patrick’s Day, Sakura (cherry blossom) season, fall foliage, Christmas markets of Europe, Halloween, and more. Find the perfect tour for you by browsing our  Special Event tours .
• Private and Customized Tours.  Have a particular interest you want to explore? We happily plan  Private and for groups of 10 or more travelers. Want to plan a Custom Tour ? Go custom with as few as 14 travelers. Enjoy everything you get on all of our tours (staff-vetted hotels, guided sightseeing, authentic meals), plus some pretty amazing extras.

The price of our trip packages includes:

• A specially trained [Tour Director](/about/tour-directors], who will accompany your group on tour, from the moment you touch down in your destination to the time you take off again for home
• Sightseeing tours with expert local guides
• Skip-the-line admission to all museums, cultural sites, and special events that are included in your itinerary
• Overnight stays in clean, stylish, well-located hotels that our own staffers have stayed in and vetted
• Transportation in your destination via private, luxury coach (depending on which tour you book, you may also travel by train, ferry, or airplane on tour )
• Daily breakfast at your hotel (a relaxed, convenient way to fuel up for a full day of exploring)
• Some lunches and dinners at local restaurants or hotels
• Free time to explore local restaurants, historical sites—anything that piques your interest—at your own pace
• Airport transfers for travelers who  book flights with us

September 2024

Showing 1–17 of 218 tours

London, Paris & Rome

11 days | 14 days with Madrid extension

4.8 out of 5 stars

A Week in Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini

9 days | 12 days with Rome extension

4.7 out of 5 stars

Stay on vacation? Don’t mind if we do.

Save up to $350 on tours, plus save an extra $50 with code EXT50 on tour extensions for 2025 bookings.†

A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome

9 days | 11 days with Sorrento Peninsula extension

4.6 out of 5 stars

Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland

12 days | 14 days with London extension

The Greek Islands: Mykonos, Santorini & Crete

14 days | 16 days with Athens extension

A Week in Ireland: Dublin, Cork & Galway

8 days | 11 days with London extension

A Week in Switzerland, Germany & Austria

9 days | 11 days with Prague extension

Grand Tour of Italy

15 days | 17 days with Rome extension

Germany, Switzerland & Austria

14 days | 16 days with Budapest extension

Egypt & Nile River Cruise

12 days | 16 days with Jordan extension

Italy & Greece

11 days | 15 days with Santorini & Athens extension

Barcelona, Southern France & the Italian Riviera

12 days | 14 days with Rome extension

4.4 out of 5 stars

Landscapes of Scotland & Ireland

15 days | 18 days with London extension

Costa Rica: Rainforests, Volcanoes & Wildlife

9 days | 12 days with Manuel Antonio & San José extension

Iceland: Reykjavík & the Northern Lights

6 days | 8 days with West Iceland & Reykjavík extension

4.5 out of 5 stars

Food & Wine: Flavors of Tuscany & Umbria

11 days | 13 days with Rome extension

Kenya Wildlife Safari: Mount Kenya, Maasai Mara & Amboseli

13 days | 18 days with Tanzania extension

5 out of 5 stars

1st-time traveler Surinder

Hello my name is Surinder I just had a trip with GoTours it was a trip of a lifetime. A lot to see and learn and our Tour guide was very helpful and very informative Katia the... Read more of Italy Trip

Traveled in Sep 2024 on A Week in Italy: Venice, Florence & Rome

1st-time traveler Jennifer

I booked a solo tour to celebrate my birthday! From day one Eirini made me feel like family , Her passion and knowledge for traveling exceeded my expectations! Even on down time... Read more of Best Tour guide ever! Eirini

Traveled in Sep 2024 on A Week in Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini

1st-time traveler Anonymous

It was our first tour with EF Tours. We loved our days exploring many wonderful historic gems in Venice, Florence, Rome, Pompeii and Capri! Our guide, Carmelo, made each part of... Read more of Italian Adventure

1st-time traveler Valerie

Our tour guide, Aspasia, was absolutely fantastic! She brought Greek history to life with her passion and knowledge. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and she made sure I had a... Read more of Amazing

Traveled in Jul 2024 on A Week in Greece: Athens, Mykonos & Santorini

Each place has its beauty. Each of them is completely different. Food is delicious! People are wonderful! So many places to visit, so many options for shopping and food! I had... Read more of Trip to Greece

1st-time traveler Gloria

It was Christmas 2023 when my husband’s gift to me was a trip to Rome. For years I had dreamed of going to Europe. When we were told of EF Tours we jumped on it. Having the... Read more of Dreams do come true!

Better than I expected. It’s quite beautiful. Hotel was nice. While the Flamenco was good, I was looking forward to seeing couple dance performance, and it did not happen

Traveled in Aug 2024 on London, Paris & Rome

1st-time traveler Doug

5 stars because of our tour director Kurt. He was excellent and deserves an A plus.

Traveled in Sep 2024 on Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland

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• 1 – 30 Days prior to arrival 100% payment upon confirmation of the booking.
• 31 – 90 Days prior to arrival 50% payment upon confirmation of booking and the rest 30 days prior to arrival.
• 91 – 180 Days prior to arrival 25% payment upon confirmation of booking and the rest 30 days prior to arrival.
• Peak Season bookings between 25th December to 8th January are chargeable 100% at the time of confirmation and A minimum of 4 room nights must be booked (varies from resort to resort).

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• Prior to 10 days of arrival 50% of the invoice is chargeable as cancellation fees.
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• Prior to 5 days of arrival 100% of the invoice is chargeable as cancellation fees.
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17 Trashy, Tacky, And Questionable Tourist Destinations That Some People Have Surprising Reasons For Loving

"It's one of my favorite cities, and I embrace its tackiness, grittiness, and elegance all at once. That's what makes it so unique."

BuzzFeed Staff

Recently, Reddit user u/perfumedpornovampire sparked a lively discussion in the r/travel community, seeking fellow kitsch enthusiasts, posting , "Tell me the trashiest, tackiest tourist trap cities worldwide." Responses flooded in, and without further ado, here are 17 of the tacky travel destinations people love for their kitsch:

1. "niagara falls, canada, is peak kitsch. if you told ai to generate a touristy place, it’s niagara falls.".

—u/redditisavirusiknow

"Niagara Falls instantly became a kitsch tourist trap to such an extent that it directly influenced the creation of national parks. Yellowstone in the US and Banff in Canada were created partly to prevent a repeat."

—u/telvin3d

2. "Nassau, Bahamas. It’s like a living gift shop."

"Only near the cruise port; Nassau is a lovely place full of nice locals if you venture out."

—u/weezyfgrady

"It's a shame also because most tourists never see the real Bahamas."

—u/doctorake38

3. "Say what you will about Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, but Dollywood is loads of fun! And the Smokies are amazing!!"

—u/travellingbozo

"Last week, I visited the trifecta: Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville, Tennessee."

—u/alarmed_check4959

"What's remarkable to me is that Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge is the gateway to one of America's most beautiful national parks. The contrast between the trashiness of the tourist attraction in Pigeon Forge and the majesty of Smoky Mountain National Park is bizarre."

—u/spider994

4. "Atlantic City is awesome if you know where to go. I could think of 15 places easily there where you will have an excellent meal."

—u/nsjersey

 "This is key. If you avoid the overly trashy parts, there are some gems within and down the island. Margate City is incredible."

—u/chipaholic1

5. " Roswell, New Mexico ! Their alien museum looks so fake, almost like a kid built it for a school project, but it’s so fun. It’s so clear that Roswell's historic "UFO sighting" was just a weather balloon, but the town ran with it, and now everything there is alien-themed. I love it. I highly recommend the Roswell UFO Spacewalk."

—u/crraaazy

6. "Vietnam’s highest mountain, Phan Xi Pang in Sa Pa."

"It's a gorgeous, amazing hike with a beautiful view, but a resort is plopped right near the top of the summit. You spend 3–4 hours hiking alone, and right when you're about to reach the top, hundreds of tourists who took cable cars are all up there taking millions of photos."

—u/corpusbotanica

7. "Wisconsin Dells. I call that place 'little kid Vegas.'"

—u/pointlessdisclosure

"I just took my kids two weeks ago, and we had a blast. 'Little kid Vegas' is a very apt description. Good, wholesome fun in a beautiful place. Waterpark Capital of the World!"

—u/xxcannonballxx

8. "I love Newport, Oregon, especially that big dock all the Sea Lions fight over. They never fail to crack me up."

—u/tiny_therapist

9. "St. Augustine, Florida, is pretty cool, but it has gotten crazy with tourists."

"I found St Augustine to be a mix of traditional and somber, almost pure kitsch, almost down-to-earth local hangout."

—u/denstolenjeep

10. "Jackson Hole, Wyoming... it's a pretty badass tourist destination."

11. "I love New Orleans, Louisiana. It's one of my favorite cities, and I embrace its tackiness, grittiness, and elegance all at once. That's what makes it so unique."

—u/perfumedpornovampire

"NOLA is like a fun dive bar. Sure, it's dirty, but in a good way, and it has a soul. I love that city."

—u/kirkegaarr

"NOLA is worth visiting because of its culture. Yes, the French Quarter is touristy AF, but there's also a lot of history and bomb-ass food there. I loved visiting all the antique shops; they had some wild stuff there. NOLA has the most exciting and alluring vibes, especially at night. It's spooky, and I have never felt it anywhere else. It's not a feeling like you are in an unsafe area because of crime, it's like a feeling of foreboding and dark magic almost. I would 100% go back again."

—u/merliahthesiren

12. "Costa Maya in Mexico. Go there if you REALLY want to see a living gift shop."

"There's some culture left... when you get into a car and drive 100 miles away to go see Mayan ruins."

—u/cydeweys

13. "Get yourself to Blackpool."

—u/legitimate_willo360

"Yeah, I think the UK version of 'tacky' would blow some people's minds."

—u/henryblessknapp

14. "Magaluf, Majorca, Spain."

"That's where trashy Brits and Germans go."

—u/raneynickle4

15. "Helen, Georgia during Oktoberfest."

—u/a-very-stable-genius

"OMG, this is an EXPERIENCE. I want to take my German-born friend and watch him trip out."

—u/gracefuldelicate

"Honestly, it's fun and silly if you don't take it too seriously. I've been three times and always had fun. Mini golf, rock shops, Christmas store, biker bar, candy samples, terrible German food, the list goes on…"

—u/grill_tastic

16. "Skegness, UK."

—u/airportsnacks

Skegness is made for "stag weekends." 

—u/wonkybumface

"I've been to loads of seaside towns and seen them degrade over the past 30 years, but I went to 'Skeg-Vegas' for the first time last year, and I thought it was good — my dog loved it as well. It reminded me of old seaside holidays."

—u/aah_holidaymemories

17. "Puerto Peñasco, Sonora, Mexico has some very tacky touristy sections downtown... That said, they have some beautiful beaches there, too."

—u/mentha1999

Did we miss your favorite tacky tourist destination? Let us know what it is in the comments, or submit a response anonymously via this Google form , and your submission may be featured in a future BuzzFeed post.

Note: Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.

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I stayed in a nearly $900-a-night suite in Tulum with a bed that rolled onto the balcony. It was paradise in a crowded tourist destination.

• I recently spent two nights at La Valise, a small boutique resort in Tulum, Mexico.
• La Valise is considered one of the top resorts in Tulum, and it lived up to the hype.
• My suite had a private jacuzzi and a bed I could roll onto the balcony.

Now a fully established hot spot for bachelorette parties and Instagram influencers, some might say that Tulum has lost its appeal.

But those people haven't stayed at La Valise , a small boutique resort located in the heart of the vacation destination's busy hotel zone.

I recently spent two nights at the luxurious hotel, where I could roll my bed out onto the balcony and sleep under the stars.

And with delicious food, a private beach, and the sweetest staff you'll ever meet, my days at La Valise felt like a dream.

After visiting a variety of resorts in Tulum, I knew I had to see La Valise.

All the places I've stayed in Tulum — including a luxury glamping resort , Pablo Escobar's former mansion , and a treehouse suite with no electricity — have been widely different.

But as I searched through travel blogs and magazine articles for a new hotel to explore on an upcoming trip, the name I kept seeing pop up was La Valise.

It was mentioned in multiple "best hotels in Tulum" lists and has a perfect score on Tripadvisor. Plus, the pictures looked gorgeous. How could I resist?

My stay at La Valise began in its chic and bright lobby.

My mom and I had reserved a private shuttle pickup from Tulum's brand-new airport through La Valise's concierge desk. Our driver greeted us with a cooler of ice-cold water bottles and cans of Corona beer — a fantastic way to start the trip.

Our van pulled up to an entrance decorated with palm plants. The hotel's name was on a subtle gold sign on an open wooden door.

The lobby, painted soft white, was covered in striped rugs. Sunshine filled the room through a large window, and everything felt warm, cozy, and calm.

After letting the concierge know if we wanted a complimentary margarita or juice delivered to our room, the tour began.

During our tour, I learned that La Valise has two properties in Tulum.

Wanting to expand La Valise Mexico City, hotelier Yves Naman found a beach house right on the sand in Tulum and transformed it into an 11-room luxury boutique hotel he opened in 2017.

In 2022, La Valise expanded to include 11 jungle suites that face the Mayan tropical forest. The beach and jungle sides of the resort — which are just across the street from each other — have their own pool and restaurant. Guests can access everything, no matter which side they're staying on.

Our room was on the jungle side, which we realized was a very fitting name as we began walking around. Every path was shaded with lush palms and towering trees, and there was even a natural cenote on the property.

We were staying in the very spacious cenote master suite.

La Valise offers 22 suites in various sizes and prices, the latter of which can vary widely depending on the time of year. The smaller rooms are currently priced between $200 and $300. During Tulum's peak season, from November to April, they can be priced between $500 and $600.

When I was there in May, the cenote master suite was $894/night. Business Insider received a media rate for the two-night stay.

We went straight to the huge balcony with a view of the jungle cenote.

Our bedroom opened onto the terrace, where two wooden chairs were basking in the sun.

I could spot the tops of trees and the palapa roofs of nearby suites as the gentle sound of flowing water from the cenote filled the air.

It truly felt like we were in the middle of the jungle.

There were tracks on the ground so the bed could easily roll out onto the balcony.

I've never been to a hotel that gave you the option to sleep outside, and I couldn't wait to try it out during my stay.

The balcony also had an open-air shower.

I loved this partially outdoor shower, which our tour guide assured us was completely private. I preferred it over the bathtub-only option in my suite at Azulik , Tulum's most famous resort.

The weather was beautiful throughout our stay, and I loved showering in the warm air as I admired the surroundings.

There was also a bright and spacious bathroom.

Sun seeped into the bathroom through the open shower, making it bright and airy.

The huge counter provided ample space to store our toiletries. In addition to the typical soaps and shampoos, there was mosquito repellent and reef-safe sunscreen.

Our suite had a private roof, complete with a jacuzzi.

I have to confess that I gasped in delight when I walked up the winding wood staircase to our roof and saw the space.

Two sun loungers with plush gray cushions were already soaking up the sun's rays. Next to them, a few wooden tables were arranged for drinks or snacks.

Three clay vases decorated the steps to the jacuzzi, which was already bubbling invitingly.

There were charming decorations throughout our suite.

Our suite was decorated with woven reed lamps crafted in the shapes of birds and monkeys, and clay pots were scattered throughout the space. Nestled in one corner was a rocking chair similar to the one I had spotted in the lobby.

I later learned that many of the handcrafted furniture pieces, all made by local artisans, could be purchased through the resort or at the official La Valise store across the street from the jungle suites.

Our living room also featured some modern art.

A jug of filtered water sat on the console below the big black-and-white painting. We could replenish it whenever needed with a quick text to the concierge desk.

Wood, wicker, and stone are the main materials used in all the suites, an intentional design to help the resort blend into its jungle surroundings.

After a quick nap, I went straight to the pool.

While the oceanfront suites have an incredible sea view, I found the pool on the jungle side far more inviting.

It was framed by lush trees and surrounded by 11 queen-sized cabana beds — the same number of suites on the jungle side of La Valise. Every bed was empty as I swam laps around 6 p.m.

It was so peaceful that I felt like I had the resort all to myself.

For dinner, we went to NÜ, La Valise's restaurant next door to the resort.

As with many restaurants in Tulum, NÜ is an open-air space. The wooden dining tables and chairs were arranged under a straw roof, and the plants covered the walls.

My mom, who loves gardening, was immediately hooked by the beautiful setting. The only thing I found strange was the alternative rock soundtrack, which felt out of place in such a serene environment.

We enjoyed a few apps and a delicious fish.

We started dinner with a chargrilled carrot dish. It cost 380 Mexican pesos, or about $19, and featured long, thin slices of carrots and zucchini tangled up in each other and topped with lemongrass aioli and a garlic vinaigrette. The dish was refreshing, albeit a bit forgettable.

The Campeche prawns — which cost 520 pesos, or about $26 — made up for it. They were wood-grilled and jumbo-sized, so juicy and full of tender meat. The Tajín sauce served alongside them was a surprising and delightful accompaniment. My mom, who adores prawns, said it was among the best she's ever had.

After a long day of traveling, we were ready for bed.

We briefly stepped onto the balcony and admired the stars before sinking into the plush king-size canopy bed.

Even with a looming deadline in the morning, I felt incredibly relaxed. I quickly realized that La Valise had some real magic.

The next morning, we strolled into the small bar and restaurant on the jungle side, where our complimentary breakfast was served.

As with the lobby and our suite, the space was tastefully designed with cream walls, bar stools with comfy white cushions, and hanging wooden lamps.

We were handed the surprisingly extensive breakfast menu. Among the 11 main courses were chilaquiles, French toast, eggs benedict, avocado toast, poached eggs and polenta, and ranchero eggs.

In addition to the entrée, we were also given the choice of a yogurt and granola bowl, a fresh fruit platter, or both. The breakfast also included coffee and fresh juices.

My plate of ranchero eggs was as delicious as it was vibrant.

The dish, which featured fried eggs on top of onions, beans, fresh cheese, and red ranchero sauce, was perfectly cooked. I loved the addition of fresh avocado and pickled onions, which added a burst of color and flavor.

I spent a lot of time in the restaurant while working on a story that day and was blown away by the service at La Valise. Occasionally, one of the bartenders or servers would come by to say hi. They'd often bring cold water, a fresh juice, or a cocktail they had just whipped up.

We then checked out La Valise's oceanfront property.

A long lap pool welcomes you to La Valise's main building on the beach. The big palapa-roofed structure has a restaurant in the middle and three suites on top.

The restaurant flowed from a lovely lounge area, where a large table and chairs had been set up. It seemed like the perfect work-from-anywhere setup. There was also a cozy bed for those who wanted to relax in the shade while watching the ocean.

There were only a few small teal tables in the dining area, but we never had an issue getting one when we went over for lunch during our stay.

We ordered a round of piña coladas, some guacamole, and tacos.

The guacamole — which cost 300 pesos, or about $14 — was fresh and flavorful. We also tried a roasted tomato salsa, which was deliciously smoky and paired perfectly with the tortilla chips.

The Baja fish tacos cost 400 pesos, or about $19, and came packed with tempura fish, pico de gallo, a purple cabbage salad, mashed avocado, and a drizzle of chipotle mayonnaise. The toppings were all delicious, although the fish was just slightly dry.

We were huge fans of the chicken tacos, which cost the same amount and featured grilled chicken, manchego cheese, marinated peppers, and purple onions. The meat was juicy and tender, and the accompanying green salsa and spicy oil added even more flavor. My only critique was the parsley on top, which felt like an unnecessary garnish.

Our lunch was delicious, but the best part was the view.

Nothing says paradise like eating a lovely meal while watching the turquoise sea. The sand looked nearly white under the sun, and the palm trees blew softly in the breeze.

After we finished eating, my mom and I strolled onto the soft sand, where there were ample cabanas to lie down on. Their turquoise color matched the water.

When we returned to our room, freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies were waiting for us alongside fresh towels.

Before the day was over, we knew we had to try the rolling bed.

Rolling the bed out onto the balcony couldn't have been easier. I just removed the stoppers in front of the wheels and gave the bed a light push. My mom and I giggled as we watched the stars above us. It felt like camping in your backyard — but in a luxurious king-size bed.

We stayed there for a while as I worked and she sketched, a quiet but special memory in a unique setting.

Not wanting to risk it with the mosquitos, we decided to roll the bed back inside before going to sleep. But months later, we still talk about how much we loved our suite.

I kicked off our last morning in La Valise with a delicious plate of chilaquiles, sad that my stay was ending.

La Valise was incredibly peaceful throughout the day, but I especially loved the mornings as we leisurely ate breakfast by the pool and sipped on fresh juice.

As we soaked up our last few hours at the resort, I wished I could book another day. La Valise also offers a number of excursions for its guests — including snorkeling, sailing, yoga, and tours of ruins and cenotes — and can even arrange mezcal tastings or cacao ceremonies.

My stay at La Valise was a dream, and it made me rethink what it means to be a luxury resort.

I had never stayed at a resort as small as La Valise. It's not a flashy hotel, but it doesn't need to be. Peacefulness, I learned, is a luxury in itself.

From its lovely suites to its relaxing lounge areas, every inch of La Valise seems designed to soothe the soul. The staff are incredibly sweet and friendly, easily recognizing you hours into your stay. And I'll never forget gazing up at the stars from my plush hotel bed.

Tulum may have a reputation as the new Miami, but you can still find paradise at La Valise.

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