Go "All In" with Our 5 Top Exotic Travel Experiences

It's been reported that when Bill Gates sits down with a magazine, he reads it cover to cover, including any articles outside his interests to make sure he continues to evolve.

We feel similarly about travel.

There are those destinations we all know will be familiar and easy. But it's quite disappointing to return from a trip the same as when you left. Great travel should change you, opening your eyes (not to mention your taste buds) to all the world has to offer.

In other words, if the world is a magazine, you should get to know what's on each page.

For decades, we've been helping Hideaways Aficionado Club members explore the intriguing cultures and hidden secrets of far-flung destinations (read about a few in our Special Report: Exotic Travel). And below, we share some of Hideaways' Top Exotic Travel Experiences.

Even if you think exotic is too out-of-the-ordinary, we encourage you to be open-minded. Rest assured, with the advice and expert planning of your Hideaways Travel Specialist (toll-free: 800-843-4433), you'll travel worry-free on an exotic trip tailored specifically to your travel style and budget.

1. Peru

"The scenery we viewed was amazing . . . Except for the presence of a few cars and trucks—and electricity—it was a colorful step back in time and a photographer's dream." —Hideaways Founder/President Mike Thiel, in his member-only missive, A Cultural and Creature Double Feature in Peru.

Prior to Mike's journey, he admits Peru was barely on his radar screen. Upon his return, he found it unforgettable. "It may be the kind of place you only visit once in a lifetime," he says, "but it's definitely worth that one trip. Certainly, it left a deep impression on us."

The perfect place from which to "find" the Lost City is Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge, where you have the rare chance to stay right at the mystical site, soaking up the magical feeling of this compelling place while enjoying the understated luxury that coddles guests. Finally, head to Peru's busiest city, Lima, and when you're ready to leave all that hubbub behind you, lose yourself at Miraflores Park Hotel, a surprising and sumptuous seaside retreat.

2. African Safari

"You get going early on safari, usually by 6 a.m. That was never a problem, because our tent was perched on top of a cliff above the river, and the hippos would begin their morning greeting extremely early—a very loud sort of barking noise. One morning we thought we'd sleep in, but the hippos had other ideas." —Jennifer Mandelson, Denver, CO

For most people, going on safari means taking a lengthy journey, usually to Africa, in search of something new and exciting, whether that's wildlife, scenery, culture, or even the experience of over-nighting in the wilds, in a tent—albeit, perhaps, a luxurious tent. A safari is the type of memorable experience that can forge lasting bonds between couples, friends, and family members traveling together. We guarantee you'll be talking about your adventures around the dinner table for years to come!

Learn who's best cut out for the rigors and rewards of a safari—as well as the importance of having a "go with the flow" attitude—with the member-only missive, Take a "Long Journey" to Discovery. Then, when you're ready to experience a safari for yourself, we recommend the Journey to the Heart of Africa, a 10-night itinerary from Orient-Express that will have you spending the night in three distinctly different luxury safari camps as you take in the extraordinary scenery and observe wildlife in its natural habitat.

3. Bali

"Bali is at once more idyllic than you ever imagined—and more commercial. Traditional Hindu culture and values coexist with modern trappings and tourist commerce on this island in the Indonesian Archipelago. Bali's beaches are legendary, and the most popular are on the southern half of the island—we enjoyed the relative tranquility and wide-open expanse of sand and moderate surf at Legian Beach. If you are staying for more than four days and want to get a feel for all that Bali has to offer, we recommend splitting your time, as we did, between mountain and shore." —Hideaways Founder/President, Mike Thiel

When Mike Thiel compiled his list of the 30 Wonders of the Hideaways Vacation World, Bali was #8 on his list. He called it "serene, bucolic, exotic, idyllic, and one of the most spiritual places we've ever experienced, with amazing sybaritic hideaways from which to enjoy it all." Our favorites for luxury and cultural immersion include Ubud Hanging Gardens, The Viceroy Bali, Alila Villas Soori, Alila Villas Uluwatu, The Oberoi Bali, and Jimbaran Puri Bali.

Hideaways-Exclusive Deal: Book a 5+-night stay at any of our recommended Bali escapes with Hideaways Travel Services (toll-free: 800-843-4433) and get a $100 Travel Certificate for a future booking!

Spoiler Alert: Bali is a featured destination in the upcoming issue of Hideaways Life. Not yet a member? Join now, and don't miss this or any other priceless travel insight, as well as member-only discounts, perks, and benefits.

4. Polar Opposites: Arctic & Antarctica

"It (Barrow, Alaska) was an amazing sight. No grass, no greenery, just bare ground. The Inupiat Eskimos live on top of permafrost here, and there are no paved roads, just dirt. As we drove to the hotel, we passed one house where someone apparently was determined to grow something. They had gotten a bucket of soil and planted one single flower." —Barbara Lehmann, Rockville, MD, from An Arctic Circle Adventure

Go as far north or south as you can go, and see the earth's dazzling extremes. These are decidedly not do-it-yourself destinations, and we recommend doing either (or both!) the right way with Quark Expeditions, the leaders in polar travel.

Hot Summer Deals! In addition to the three Quark Expeditions deals you'll find here, they are offering an amazing Buy-1, Get-1-Free deal on three upcoming expeditions: Greenland Explorer, departing Aug-16-13 and Aug-28-13; and East Greenland, departing Sep-21-13. In addition, you'll enjoy complimentary charter air for both of the Greenland Explorer itineraries (a $608 value). Request more information or book now with Hideaways Travel Services (toll-free: 800-843-4433).

Last Call: Summer in the Southern Hemisphere runs November through February, so now is the time to book those 2013-2014 trips to South America and Antarctica.

5. Exotic Cruises

"If it's too hard to decide where to go in Asia (so many places to see, too little time, which one to pick), I think a cruise that allows you to visit a lot of different ports is great. When I think of our Asian cruise, every single port had some unusual/exotic experience or custom that was new. Dumpling class at the Peninsula Hong Kong, tea-leaf classes, and some of the food we ate (bird's-nest dessert and million-year-old eggs), plus seeing countries like Vietnam (just like the movies), Indonesia (bullfighting and temples), and Singapore (the cleanliness and customs)." —Hideaways Vice President, Gail Richard

It's no secret that Hideaways is a proponent of cruising, especially exotic river trips in places like Vietnam, China, and Myanmar. Get matched with your perfect out-of-the-ordinary river cruise when you contact a Cruise Specialist at Hideaways Travel Services (toll-free: 800-843-4433).

Hideaways Insight: Our recommended river-cruise line, AmaWaterways, offers exotic 16-day journeys along the Mekong River through Vietnam and Cambodia. Spend 2 nights in Hanoi, overnight in Ha Long Bay, then travel to Siem Reap for 3 nights before embarking on your Mekong River cruise. You'll end your odyssey with 2 nights in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon).

In China, we recommend Viking River Cruises for a 13-day Shanghai to Beijing trip that explores both cities and includes a cruise down the legendary Yangtze, where you'll have the opportunity to admire the engineering marvel of Three Gorges Dam. To top off your adventure, you'll visit Xian and see the famous Terracotta Army.

Cruise News: Oceania Cruises just announced its first-ever "Around the World in 180 Days" cruise. Talk about seeing it all—from the everyday to the exotic! This vacation event on Insignia sets sail round-trip from Miami on Jan-10-15 and will visit 5 continents, 44 countries, and 89 ports of call (13 new to Oceania). In addition to crossing the equator 4 times and sailing through all 24 time zones, it will traverse 3 oceans and 10 seas, call on 45 islands, and offer the chance to visit 47 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Oceania's Around-the-World Deal: Book with Hideaways Travel Services (toll-free: 800-843-4433) by Sep-17-13 to receive 2-for-1 cruise fares, free First Class round-trip airfare, free pre-paid gratuities, free visa package including entry visas for 16 countries, unlimited Internet and laundry service, luggage delivery, round-trip transfers, and free onboard medical service (a first for the industry). Hurry: Availability is extremely limited!