With the new year on the horizon, early bird travellers are already planning their next adventure.
In their recently released 2025 travel trends guide, “Travel + Leisure” emphasised that in the new year, the world of travel should expect a continued focus on sustainable practices, responsible tourism and innovative travel experiences.
Today’s discerning explorers want experiences that go beyond superficial encounters, looking for journeys that combine extraordinary destinations with meaningful engagement and environmental responsibility. This is also known as purpose travel.
So why choose adventure with purpose travel experiences? Well, these travel experiences have real environmental impact as small group sizes and careful operations minimise ecological footprints.
They also offer meaningful connections whether with wildlife, local communities or fellow travellers; learning opportunities where expert guides and scientists share deep knowledge about unique environments; and exclusive access to remote locations and limited guest numbers ensuring truly special encounters.
If you’re planning on having a journey with a lasting impact that contributes to conservation and community, here are four purpose travel driven adventures to add to your 2025 travel bucket list.
Journey into the unknown: Antarctica exploration
While Antarctica has long topped bucket lists, few realize that visiting the White Continent can actually support its preservation.
Small-ship expeditions, carrying no more than 200 guests, minimise environmental impact while maximising the opportunity for profound encounters with this pristine wilderness.
According to Stephen Winter, international sales director at Ponant, what makes these polar expeditions truly special is the opportunity to become part of ongoing scientific research.
He said that their Le Commandant Charcot is the world’s first luxury icebreaker ship that transforms travellers into true polar experts.
“As an unparalleled PC2 polar class vessel capable of penetrating deep into polar ice circles, we offer more than just a voyage – we provide an immersive scientific journey. With our 19- to 23-person expert expedition team of biologists, naturalists and glaciologists, travellers don’t just observe; rather, they become active active participants in understanding our planet’s most remote and fragile ecosystems, exploring regions that have captivated adventurers for centuries,” said Winter.
He added that polar adventures with Ponant go far beyond only spotting penguins and whales and zodiac excursions bring you face-to-face with towering icebergs, while optional kayaking adventures allow you to paddle through waters few humans have ever traversed.
“Each landing becomes a lesson in polar ecology, with experienced guides ensuring both safety and environmental protection,” said Winter.
A new way to experience African wildlife: River safaris
Traditional safaris are wonderful, but there’s something transformative – and different – about viewing Africa’s wildlife from the water.
The Zambezi Queen Collection offers an innovative approach to game viewing along the Chobe River, where Botswana meets Namibia.
According to Kate Powell, general manager of sales and marketing at Zambezi Queen Collection, position on the water lets animals come to them naturally.
“This approach minimises disturbance to wildlife while providing intimate encounters impossible to achieve in a traditional vehicle.
“Watch elephants wade past your suite, hippos surface beside the boat and over 450 bird species go about their daily routines,” said Powell.
She also added that the company’s commitment extends beyond employment – they actively support local communities through various initiatives and ensure their operations benefit the region’s economy.
Small-ship exploration in the Seychelles
Sometimes the most meaningful adventures come in small packages.
Ponant offers private yacht expeditions in the Seychelles that limited to just 12 guests. This allows for intimate exploration of fragile marine ecosystems.
According to Winter, beyond the obvious appeal of pristine beaches, these journeys offer opportunities to participate in marine conservation efforts and connect with local island communities.
“From private beach picnics on deserted islands to swimming with manta rays at sunrise, each experience is designed to showcase the archipelago’s natural wonders while ensuring their preservation for future generations.
The small guest count allows for highly personalised experiences and ensures minimal impact on sensitive marine environments,” he said.
Railway adventures in Africa: Slow travel meets conservation
And lastly, luxury rail journeys continue to emerge as a hot travel trend – and have their place on the travel with purpose side as well.
Rovos Rail’s Trail of Two Oceans journey across Africa offer opportunities to explore vast wilderness areas while minimising environmental impact.
These rail adventures provide a unique perspective on wildlife and landscapes while supporting conservation efforts along their routes.
Antoinette Turner, general manager of Product and Marketing at Flight Centre South Africa noted that the luxury travel landscape is shifting dramatically.
“Our clients increasingly seek adventures that offer exclusivity not just in terms of comfort, but in terms of access to meaningful experiences and opportunities to contribute positively to the destinations they visit.
“We’re seeing particular interest in journeys that combine multiple purposeful travel elements – like small-ship cruising with community engagement, or rail travel with wildlife conservation,” said Turner.