With summer approaching fast, the itch to pack a bag and escape our daily routines is intensifying by the hour. But who has the time to organize a whole retreat mid-grind, right? What if we told you that you could ditch the planning and just embrace the journey? Here are the companies willing to do the heavy lifting for you and curate your next retreat. Local trips will prove that you don’t have to go too far to find peace of mind, but if you’re looking to add a few points to your frequent flyer card, the international trips will make it worth every penny.
#1- KENYA WITH GAZEF:Gazef is a trusty go-to for people looking for organized trips, and Kenya is an untapped spot for unbelievable experiences. From Friday, 14 June, to Thursday, 20 June, and again from Sunday, 25 August to Saturday, 31 August, and Monday, 30 September, to Sunday, 6 October, you will be river rafting, visiting the Elephant Orphanage, Giraffe Manor, Hell’s Gate National Park, and biking alongside zebras and giraffes, rock climbing, hiking, and visiting the Masai Village.
ACCOMMODATION: Since you will be traveling around Kenya, overnight stays will be in a deluxe twin/triple room at the Best Western Plus Meridian Hotel and the Sagana Getaway Resort, a tented twin/triple room at Naivasha West Beach Camp, Aruba mara Camp, and a private villa.
COMPLETE THE EXPERIENCE: The Kenyan visa and plane ticket acquisition are left up to you. And remember: You need to have taken the yellow fever vaccine to enter the country.
Reservations can be made here.
#2- MOUNT TOUBKAL WITH WILD GUANABANA:Wild Guanabana (WG) is Omar Samra’s brainchild, born to create authentic and exciting (and ethical) travel experiences for the curious souls out there. Mount Toubkal in Morocco is a mountaineer’s dream destination, being the highest peak in North Africa but not too challenging for beginners. Alongside the hike, you will be exploring the local Berber culture (and their delicious food), waterfalls, and the ancient marketplace of Tahanaoutefrom Friday, 27 December, to Wednesday, 1 January.
ACCOMMODATION: You will be staying at the Traditional Riad in Imlil, a Toubkal refuge during the hike, and Riad Khabia.
COMPLETE THE EXPERIENCE: You don’t have to worry about organizing accommodation or land transportation, but flights, visa fees, vaccinations, and your water supply are up to you. You can bring your own gear, or rent some from WG at an additional cost.
Reservations can be made here.
#3- WADI GEBAL WITH GAZEF: Looking for something more exciting than relaxing in the fall? You have time to prepare for this hiking trip to Wadi Gebal in Sinai, which is taking place from Thursday, 17 October, to Sunday, 20 October, and again from Thursday, 14 November, to Sunday, 17 November, and Thursday, 5 December, to Sunday, 8 December. You will be visiting Wadi Elshaq’s natural pool, Elzawatin’s secret garden, and hiking up El Masabi mountain and Bab Eldonya.
ACCOMMODATION: This is no glamping trip — travelers will be staying in local camping spots in rooms of five.
COMPLETE THE EXPERIENCE: Bring your own sleeping bags and any fun snacks you want to refuel with.
#4- BALI WITH ANCHOR: Bali is the destination for dream experiences. Anchor is going to make sure you hit all the island’s must-dos from Saturday, 3 August to Saturday, 10 August, like visiting Ubud market, Monkey Forest, Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Uluwatu Temple, chasing waterfalls, and cycling around the cities.
ACCOMMODATION: Travelers will be staying in double rooms at 4-star hotels in Ubud, Canggu, and Uluwatu.
COMPLETE THE EXPERIENCE: Anchor will be leaving visa and flight acquisition up to you. Extra meals and optional activities like ziplining and exploring Nusa Penida are also not included in the package. If you prefer a single room, it can be arranged for an extra fee. More details can be found here (pdf).
#5- HURGHADA WITH CHILLOUT:ChillOut is specialized in curating travel experiences centered around nature. From Tuesday, 18 June, to Friday, 21 June, you can be island hopping in Hurghada. Your guides will be taking you to the sandy shores of Qaysum Island, Jubal Island to explore the coral reefs, and the Dolphin House near Gouna to swim alongside the friendly fish.
ACCOMMODATION: Did we mention that you’d be staying on a yacht? One reservation will land you in a standard double cabin, but you can always shell out for the superior cabin or available suites.
COMPLETE THE EXPERIENCE: Landing in Hurghada is left up to you, but if you prefer, ChillOut can handle its organization for you for an extra fee. Scuba classes are available for purchase.
Reservations can be made here.
#6- CROATIA WITH ANCHOR: Hop around Croatia’s islands with Anchor from Saturday, 17 August, to Saturday, 24 August. Dazzling beaches, hidden coves, and charming little towns wait for you from Mljet to Split as you zipline, swim, and kayak your way between islands.
ACCOMMODATION: You will be staying in a double room on a deluxe yacht, docking in ports in Polača or Pomena, Dubrovnik, Šipan, Korcula, Hvar, and Split.
COMPLETE THE EXPERIENCE:Acquiring the visa and flights to Croatia are not included in the package, as are any extra meals you indulge in, and optional activities like cable cars up to the spectacular views of Srđ and bike tours around Korcula island.
More details can be found here.
#7- MARSA ALAM WITH GAZEF:From Friday, 14 June, to Tuesday, 18 June, you can be in Marsa Alam, exploring the coastal landscapes and rich marine life. The itinerary includes visiting Hankorab Beach where you can snorkel or just relax in the crystal clear water, taking a dip in Al Nayzak, a naturally formed pool, going on safari at Wadi El Gemal, and swimming with the turtles in Abu Dabbab.
ACCOMMODATION:You will be staying at Brayka Bay Resort, where you will be bunking with up to two other fellow travelers. Gazef has a packing list at the ready for your reference on the trip page.
COMPLETE THE EXPERIENCE:Optional activities like the quad adventure, safari, and swimming with the turtles are available for an extra fee. Drinks and travel insurance fall to you.
Reservations can be made here.