Any vacation gives you a refreshing change from daily chaos, but a vacation that involves animals is special. You and your family experience living beings you could never interact with on a daily basis. It gives you perspective and memories that can last a lifetime.
There are plenty of destinations throughout the world that put you up close and personal with wildlife. To start your travel wishlist, check out these animal vacations.
1. Galapagos Islands
Few places in the world are more famous for animals than the Galapagos Islands. Located in Ecuador, this island cluster is known as the animal nirvana that inspired Charles Darwin to discover the theory of evolution.
The Galapagos Islands feature animal species you’ll find few other places on the planet. In fact, islands home to the only tropical penguins in the world. They’re also a habitat for sea lions, albatrosses, giant tortoises, iguanas, and more.
2. Bandhavgarh National Park
The most famous furry resident of Bandhavgarh National Park in India is the majestic tiger. The park boasts the highest density of tigers in India, so you’re likely to spot one or two on your trip.
Beyond tigers, there are 22 species of mammals and 250 species of birds throughout the park. The 600-square-mile reserve hosts striped hyenas, sambar deer, and barking deer to name a few.
3. Bali Bird Park
Bali is a bucket list destination for anyone who loves the natural wonders of the world. Those natural wonders include flying wildlife.
The Bali Bird Park features a stunning 5,000 birds representing over 250 species. To provide the ultimate home for all its winged residents, the park is divided into “regions” that mimic each bird’s natural habitat.
4. Manitoba, Canada
Few animals have more respect and natural beauty than the polar bear. As awe-inspiring as it is to see these bears in person in their natural habitats, that isn’t an opportunity we often get.
For that reason, the town of Churchill in Manitoba should be on your globe-trotting list. During October and November each year, polar bears follow a trusted migration path through Canada. Churchill happens to be right along that path.
During this treasured time, visitors will be able to see polar bears making their trek out of their own windows.
5. Great Barrier Reef
As much beautiful wildlife as there is to explore on land and in the air, there’s a whole world under the ocean’s surface. Few places in the world will let you experience that world the way the Great Barrier Reef does.
Despite its tricky name, the Great Barrier Reef is actually a collection of around 3,000 coral reefs. Located off the coast of Queensland, Australia, the reef is home to thousands of species of fish, coral, and mollusks.
Top Animal Vacations for Your Bucket List
As much as you may love your furry friends at home and the wildlife in your backyard, you don’t have to limit your experiences to your own region. The incredible animal vacations above will give you and your family the rare chance to collect with wildlife around the world.
For more fantastic vacation ideas, check out more articles on our site.