Some journeys are remembered for the destinations visited, while others stay with travellers because of the experiences they offer. From watching thousands of wildebeest cross the African plains to encountering humpback whales in the Pacific Ocean, travel creator Raimee Iacofano has shared a collection of experiences she considers among the most memorable of her travels.
In a video shared on Instagram, Iacofano described some of the coolest things she has done around the world. Her list includes wildlife encounters, overnight cruises, cultural festivals and visits to destinations that receive less attention from international tourists.
Her experiences offer inspiration for travellers looking beyond conventional sightseeing and seeking more immersive ways to explore the world.
1. Witnessing the Great Migration in Tanzania
Iacofano described witnessing the Great Migration at Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park as the coolest travel experience of her life.
The annual migration involves enormous herds of wildebeest and zebras moving across the Serengeti ecosystem in search of grazing and water. Their movement creates one of Africa’s most remarkable wildlife spectacles, with dramatic river crossings and encounters with predators forming part of the natural cycle.
Iacofano said the experience felt almost unreal, describing it as though she had entered a simulation.
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Serengeti offers an opportunity to observe animals in their natural environment rather than in controlled settings. The migration moves throughout the year, so the location of the herds and the chances of witnessing particular events depend on seasonal rainfall and grazing conditions.
2. Swimming with Humpback Whales in Moorea, French Polynesia
Another experience that stood out for Iacofano was swimming with humpback whales around Moorea, an island in French Polynesia.
The region attracts humpback whales during their seasonal migration from colder southern waters. The animals arrive to breed and give birth, making the surrounding Pacific waters an important seasonal habitat.
Iacofano highlighted the experience as one of her most memorable wildlife encounters. The season generally falls between July and October, although permitted tour dates and conditions can vary.
Swimming with whales is a regulated activity in French Polynesia. Visitors should use authorised operators and follow wildlife-protection rules. Encounters are not guaranteed, and entering the water depends on the animals’ behaviour and the conditions at sea.
3. An Overnight Cruise Through Doubtful Sound, New Zealand
New Zealand’s Doubtful Sound was another destination Iacofano recommended, particularly for travellers interested in remote natural landscapes.
Located in Fiordland on the South Island, the fjord is known for its steep forest-covered mountains, deep waters and relatively secluded setting.
Unlike the better-known Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound offers a different kind of experience, with fewer visitors and an atmosphere of isolation. Iacofano recommended an overnight cruise through the fjord, recalling the remarkable quietness of the surroundings.
An overnight journey allows visitors to experience the changing light, surrounding wilderness and peaceful atmosphere beyond a short daytime excursion.
For travellers seeking a break from crowded sightseeing destinations, the experience offers a different way to explore New Zealand’s natural environment.
4. Experiencing the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge, England
Attending the summer solstice celebration at Stonehenge was another highlight on Iacofano’s list.
The ancient monument in Wiltshire, England, attracts thousands of people during the annual summer solstice, when the longest day of the year is marked by gatherings around the prehistoric stone circle.
The sunrise has particular significance because Stonehenge was constructed in alignment with the movements of the Sun. The occasion brings together visitors, photographers, spiritual communities and people interested in the monument’s history.
Iacofano recalled attending the event and described the atmosphere as an extraordinary experience. She also spoke about getting close to the ancient stones during her visit.
However, access to the stones is controlled. English Heritage’s general solstice guidance prohibits visitors from touching or climbing the stones, so her experience should not be interpreted as standard access for attendees.
5. Celebrating Music at Fête de la Musique in Paris
Paris offered Iacofano another memorable experience through Fête de la Musique, France’s annual Festival of Music.
Held on June 21, the festival transforms streets, public squares and neighbourhoods into performance spaces. Musicians and performers across different genres take part, creating an atmosphere in which music can be experienced throughout the city.
Iacofano recalled attending the festival on the same day as the summer solstice celebration at Stonehenge. She managed to experience both events in one day, making it an especially memorable part of her travels.
The festival also offers visitors an opportunity to discover Paris beyond its famous monuments, with performances taking place in neighbourhoods and public spaces across the city.
Exploring Lesser-Visited Parts of Japan
Beyond the five experiences she highlighted, Iacofano also spoke positively about travelling to lesser-visited parts of Japan.
Her destinations included:
- Sendai: A major city in the Tohoku region of northeastern Japan.
- Naoshima: An island known for its distinctive contemporary art environment.
- Nagano: A mountain destination associated with natural landscapes and outdoor experiences.
Rather than concentrating exclusively on Japan’s best-known cities, the trip allowed her to explore different parts of the country and experience a wider range of places.
Antarctica Is Next on Her Travel List
Iacofano is also preparing for a trip to Antarctica, which she hopes will complete her visits to all seven continents.
The journey would add another major wildlife and nature-focused destination to her travel experiences. Antarctica is known for its remote landscapes, icy surroundings and distinctive wildlife, although travel there generally requires specialist expedition arrangements.
Her planned visit reflects a travel philosophy centred on experiences rather than simply collecting destinations.
Why Experience-Led Travel Is Gaining Attention
Iacofano’s travel list reflects a wider interest in holidays built around memorable activities. Wildlife encounters, cultural festivals, remote landscapes and overnight journeys can offer travellers a deeper connection with places than conventional sightseeing alone.
For some, that might mean watching the Great Migration in Africa. For others, it could involve listening to musicians perform across Paris or spending a night aboard a cruise in New Zealand’s fjords.
The appeal of these journeys lies in their variety. They demonstrate how travel can bring together nature, culture, adventure and local experiences.
Her story is also a reminder that memorable travel does not necessarily require visiting the world’s most famous cities. Sometimes, the experiences that stay with travellers longest are found in remote landscapes, seasonal celebrations and less familiar destinations.
