Regan Kirk

The White Continent is on many people’s bucket lists. It sounds so out of reach, but Viking and other expedition cruise lines have made it more accessible for the adventurous traveler. Visiting Antarctica is truly like traveling to another planet, with its stark beauty and charming wildlife. South Georgia, which isn’t on all Antarctica itineraries, is aptly known as the Galapágos of the Southern Ocean with its hundreds of thousands of king penguins.

The Himalayas are a hiker's paradise. I love scenic multi-day hikes that don't require camping, and the Annapurna Circuit delivered in spades. Breathtaking views abound, and getting to experience the local culture at each stop adds a whole other level to the adventure.

We've gone on safari to so many countries in Africa, but Sabi Sands stands out as the best concentration of exciting wildlife we've found. If you're lucky, you can see all of the Big Five on one game drive. This is a place where you're likely to find leopards mating, massive lion prides enjoying a hippo, and wild dog pups spilling out of their den.

Churchill is a remote and beautiful retreat from the world, accessible only by train or plane. Every summer, 50,000 beluga whales come here to frolic, feed, and give birth, while polar bears wander off of the ice to hang out until it's cold enough to go back to sea. If you're lucky, the Aurora Borealis might grace you with a visit as well!

The Svalbard archipelago, located above the Arctic Circle, is famous for its polar bears—there are more bears here, in fact, than people. The town of Longyearbyen, on the largest island, Spitsbergen, is the northernmost town in the world and serves as the launching point for many Arctic cruises. This is truly a magical place, a remote winter wonderland most people will never visit.