Fun-Filled Travel Experiences to Boost Your Serotonin Levels

If you need a pick-me-up, grab a bicycle and mosey through French vineyards
If you need a pick-me-up, grab a bicycle and mosey through French vineyards | © Pawel Kazmierczak / Alamy
Konstantina Pyrnokoki

Travel Writer

There’s no denying it, January is not the jolliest time. Holiday cheer has disappeared and Blue Monday – said to be the most depressing day of the year – falls near the middle of the month. There’s an easy way to keep your spirits high though – start planning a fun-filled getaway. You can’t help but flash those pearly whites if you’re hot-air ballooning above Costa Rica or making friends with elephants in Sri Lanka. To help, here are the top serotonin-boosting experiences from around the world.

Trek through the jungle in India

Refresh yourself with a hike through the large forests and national parks of India. Trek in Mudumalai National Park alongside tigers and deer, or in the tropical Agumbe Reserve Forest, which comes alive during the monsoon months. If you want a story-worthy adventure, hike through Kanha National Park, said to be the inspiration for Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.

Release your inner-child at Kanha National Park, inspiration for ‘The Jungle Book’

Float over a Costa Rican rainforest in a hot-air balloon

A bird’s-eye view of El Arenal volcano in Costa Rica is sure to get your endorphins flowing

Discover shimmering seas in the Maldives

Few sights are more spectacular than a bioluminescent sea. Experience this rare phenomenon in the Maldives – the Vaadhoo island in the Raa Atoll is your safest bet. Towards the end of summer, the reefs here fill with dinoflagellates – phytoplankton that emit light as a defence mechanism when the waves move. This creates an otherworldly, sparkling effect that’s bound to fill your heart with glee.

The natural beauty of the Maldives makes it a dream destination for many travellers

Bathe in geothermal pools in Iceland

A long, relaxing soak is an easy way to relieve stress. And there’s no better place to do it than Iceland – the hot springs here are sure to alleviate your aching muscles and help you reach a state of utter bliss. Thanks to the high volcanic activity on the island, there are plenty of natural geothermal pools, such as Landmannalaugar and Hveravellir, most of which are surrounded by endless greenery. Alternatively, try the Blue Lagoon, which is man-made but just as soothing.

The man-made Blue Lagoon is sure to ease any January blues

Make friends with elephants in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to go on safari. Leopards hang out in Yala National Park amid flooded lagoons and coastal dunes and rare lizards and purple-faced langurs stroll along Horton Plains. The most fascinating local attraction, though, has to be the elephants. You are likely to spot hundreds of them drinking water and eating fresh grass in Udawalawe and Minneriya national parks.

Head to Sri Lanka and you could become besties with a elephant

Cycle around vineyards and castles in France

Exercising is one of the surest ways to boost your serotonin levels; but what if you could do that while gazing at vast vineyards and valleys? France offers a number of two-wheeled adventures for novice and seasoned cyclists. Whether you follow the Tour de France route in the French Alps or a much simpler path among vineyards and orchards in the Loire Valley, the idyllic views are worth the effort. Want more? Join a small group on a wine and cycle tour of the medieval city of Saint-Emilion near Bordeaux.

Toast a tough day of cycling with some of the best wine in the world in France

Taste mouth-watering delicacies in Italy

If you’re a die-hard gastronome, you can’t go wrong with visiting the top foodie destinations in Italy. Pass by Bologna for the popular tagliatelle al ragù, Rome for a pasta-making class near the Trevi Fountain and Tuscany for exquisite wine paired with local flavours – if bistecca alla fiorentina, the signature steak dish of Florence, doesn’t bring you joy, we don’t know what will. For the best pizza and freshest seafood in Italy, Naples is the way to go.

A loaded pizza in Italy is a sure-fire way to get grinning

Marvel at Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples on a Mount Fuji hike

Japan offers a variety of scenic trails, some passing waterfalls and wildflowers, others passing volcanic craters. Among the greatest is the trek up the legendary Mount Fuji. This can take five to 10 hours to complete, with several trails to follow. Some are more challenging than others, but if you’re looking for a transcendental experience, opt for the Pilgrimage Trail; this will take you to the summit through sacred forests, home to Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples, and finish at the shrine of Shinto goddess Sengen-Sama.

For a spiritual boost, pay a visit to a Shinto shrine on Mount Fuji

Discover Ancient Egypt on a luxury cruise along the Nile

There’s no better way to appreciate the millennia-old history of Egypt than a five-star cruise on the Nile. Make all the necessary stops – including the Valley of the Kings, home to the tomb of Tutankhamun, and the Kom Ombo Temple, once frequented by sacred crocodiles – and admire wonders such as the Colossi of Memnon statues. Better yet, reserve a spot on Culture Trip’s small-group trip to Egypt and explore this awe-inspiring country with the help of a Local Insider.

Pootle down the Nile and see the ancient world unfurl before you

Enjoy modern Athens on a street-art tour

Athens is best known for its ancient ruins, but the Greek capital also has a contemporary, quirky side to it; this comes through in lively cafes and bars, modern art galleries and colourful murals scattered around town. Take a street-art tour to discover the latter, along with the captivating stories behind them. Somewhere amid all the concrete of the city centre, splashes of colour turn Athens into an open-air gallery, giving you many reasons to smile.

Enjoy the lesser-mentioned modern side of Athens on a walking art tour

Sleep in a luxury resort in Thailand, surrounded by nature

Spa Hotel, Resort

A calming guestroom at Phulay Bay has high ceilings, a comfy-looking double bed and views out to green trees
Courtesy of Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve / Expedia

The emerald waters and white sands of Thailand are ideal for a recharge. Bag yourself a spot in the best beach resorts in the country, and you’ll soon be sunbathing by a glam pool surrounded by palm trees. One such dreamy hotel is Phulay Bay, which sits by the Andaman Sea. You’ll stay in stylish villas with private hot tubs and drink cocktails by an infinity pool while looking over the azure waters. There’s also a luxury spa where you can treat yourself to a Thai massage amid tropical gardens. Yoga and pilates sessions are also available.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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