by In 2024 the DINKs – that is, Dual-Income, No Kids – couples have a great new day. Unhindered by 7pm bedtimes or structured school holidays, and with extra cash in the bank, people without children are free to enjoy long trips or long trips in the world’s most exciting destinations.
Sound good to you? Make the most of that spare income, and your ability to jet off at a moment’s notice, and book one of these one-off trips…
Explore the homeland of the Dalai Lama
With its soaring heights – the capital Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world – rich cultural sights and adventurous air, Tibet is not one of those family-friendly to-do lists. But it is great for unencumbered DINKs who can tour the majestic Potala Palace, wander through Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, and visit large and serene monasteries. On a 10-day journey with World Expeditions starting and ending in Chengdu, China, you will enter Tibet on a spectacular train journey – the highest in the world – and reach an altitude of 3,670m. Heady stuff indeed.
From £2,690 per person for 10 days, worldexpeditions.com
Unwind at one adult all-inclusive
No splash, no screaming at the buffet – if you want all-inclusive tropical relaxation with a kiddie-free ambiance, an adults-only hotel is for you. One of the few Maldivian private islands with a strict adults-only policy, Hurawalhi epitomizes the Indian Ocean dream with rows of overwater villas, sundecks and steps leading directly into the sea. Sip cocktails as the sun sets, join a dolphin cruise or take a windsurfing lesson. Then (for an additional fee) feast on lime fish carpaccio and king crab with saffron foam in 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant.
From £4,499 per person for 7 nights, suitcase.co.uk
Cruise to the White Continent
An Antarctic cruise is a proper bucket-list destination – but between the high cost per person and the challenging crossing of the infamous Drake Passage, it’s not really for small travellers. Small-scale field sailings from high-end French cruise operator Ponant introduce you to the snowy, iceberg-covered landscapes of the White Continent while delivering a sophisticated, grown-up atmosphere through chic design, white-tablecloth dining and guided lectures the experts. On a 10-night Emblematic Antarctica tour starting and ending in Ushuaia, Argentina, you’ll hike, sea kayak and ride a zodiac inflatable with a pro-nature naturalist who will point out humpback whales, leopard seals and numerous types of penguin.
From £9,470 per person for 10 nights, dot.com
Cycle the wine trails of Umbria
Nothing says ‘grown up’ holiday like a visit to a wine region. Especially when you do it as part of a cycling tour, you feel the freedom of the wind against your face as you peddle through rolling vineyards, sun-drenched olive groves and medieval villages. On a self-guided cycling tour with Headwater you and your significant other can make your way through the photogenic Valle Umbra to the hilltop wine village of Montefalco to sip crisp Grechetto-based whites and dark reds made from Sangiovese and Sagrantino . When the bells start tolling, there is no stopping where or what to eat; so enter ribbony strangozzi pasta with heaps of black truffles.
From £1,399 per person for 7 nights, headwaters.com
Safari in Namibia
There are plenty of family-friendly safaris out there – but Namibia’s offering is particularly grown-up with its expanses of ancient orange desert and ruined trees, Stone Age rock art stashes and outstanding scenery. A dedicated Namibia tour for Couples with Original Travel caters specifically to the mood, with a dune-top stay in the NamibRand reserve offering 30-degree views of the landscape – as well as 4×4 and walking safaris through challenging terrain, and evenings. campfire sessions under a pinprick sky. Lads, lions, hartebeest, impala and leopards roam the epic and rugged wilderness, so keep your cameras ready.
From £7,415 per person for 13 days, originaltravel.co.uk
Walk the Inca Trail
Are you the couple who gets their kicks from going for a good walk? Then with no kids to stop you, you can sign up for one of the most iconic tours in the world: Peru’s Inca Trail. Squiggly through mountain passes, cloud forest and ancient ruins to end in world famous Machu Picchu, the iconic 15th century-Lost City of the Incas, the five-day guided hike is best tackled as part of a wider tour of the wonders of Peru . . G Adventures runs flagship tours including a 14-day ‘Inca Trail and the Amazon’ tour that includes visits to the Sacred Valley, the historic capital of Cusco, the wildlife-rich Amazon jungle and the foodie capital of Lima.
From £4,599 per person for 14 days, gadventures.com
Road trip along Route 66
America’s most iconic drive is best tackled without a chorus of ‘are we there yet?’ echo from the back seat. Long days in the car are not made for little legs, but as a couple you can spend a pleasant two weeks traveling on the road from Chicago to Los Angeles, enjoying the scenery from glassy skylines to forested mountains, arid deserts and turquoise-lapped coast. . On the way you can pull over for meals in humble diners, quirky old museums and dusty towns that feel straight from the movies. And when you finally hit Santa Monica, California, you can spread your towel on the beach to soak up the sunshine without building a single sandcastle.
From £1,557 per person for 14 days, americaasyoulikeit.com
Island hopping and diving in Raja Ampat
Carved out of West Papua in a patchwork of blue, the remote and jungled archipelago of Raja Ampat is largely undiscovered – just the thing if you’re looking for a two-day trip with serious bragging rights. The 1,500 or so hilly islands are perfect for exploring on board a small vessel, with white sandy beaches, hidden lagoons and some of the best diving reefs in the world. Cruise through the Misool archipelago, stopping for snorkels, swimming and diving and to explore domed caves. When you’re not under the surface, you’ll have time together to enjoy untouched beaches, learn about the local Asai culture and hike through dense landscapes.
From £10,620 per person for 15 days, audleytravel.com
See Europe by rail
Anyone can take a short European city break – but for DINKs with time, cash and flexibility, the opportunity to tour the continent in depth will be there. In a more sophisticated version of Interrailing, Byway offers a 40-day Grand European Tour by train that will take you from London to Scotland, France to Belgium, Switzerland to Italy and beyond, ticking highlights of nearly a dozen capitals. You’ll spend several nights at each stop so you have plenty of time to sightsee (or catch up on emails if you’re going to be telecommuting along the way). As a bonus, it’s also an eco-friendly way to explore.
From £4,091 per person for 40 days, bypass.travel
White Water Rafting in Costa Rica
Coddled in a dense jungle in the lush wilds of central Costa Rica, a lush eco-stay at Pacuare Lodge has one main route: through a white-water rafting ride along the frothy rapids of the snaking Rio Pacuare. This is the perfect heart-stopping approach for active couples who want their stay at this indoor and outdoor desert lodge, where days can be spent canyoning, ziplining or hiking – or just kicking back in villas with deep soaking tubs. Expect organic farm-to-fork food, the soothing sounds of nature, and don’t miss the after-dark tours of the local wildlife, including porcupines, tree frogs and snakes.
Seven nights for three at Pacuare Lodge from £5,605 per person including flights, elegantsorts.co.uk
