Those of us who love travelling know that, no matter how lovely it is to simply set off to a marvellous destination and spend the rest of our time enjoying ourselves, some destinations can become monotonous. Perhaps it’s because we tend to rush to tourist traps, or maybe we’re simply not looking hard enough. But worry no more because we’ve found ways to enjoy travel like never before. Here’s a look at the most sensory and exciting summer you’ll experience; check these destinations out:

Mediterranean Cooking Classes, Tuscany, Italy

Let’s be real here: most tourists love Tuscany for all the right reasons, but one major reason is the food. And if you’re a sucker for the Mediterranean food served by Tuscan grandmothers, we’ve got you covered; you can actually take a cooking class for that. All you need to do is reach out to your travel agent to arrange a class or an independent organisation like Tuscookany. It’s delicious, sensory, and has all the right combinations of flavour to spice up your trip!

Moroccan Hammams, Marrakech, Morocco

Not all trips have to be exciting; take things slow and rewind a little by taking a short trip to the nearest hammam in Marrakech. While you’ll find plenty of places to be, relaxing at a hammam just as the sun sets and the evening creeps in is one of the most satisfying experiences ever. We highly recommend going to a hammam after a day spent exploring; you’ll get rid of all those tight knots in your shoulders. Make sure to choose tourist-friendly hammams; local hammams might be a bit overcrowded, but those catering strictly to tourists come with all the benefits without foot traffic.

Barefoot Forest Retreats/Shinrin-Yoku, Japan

Japan has something called the Shinrin-Yoku, or Forest Bathing, where you truly connect with Mother Nature by foregoing everything and becoming one with nature. Shinrin-Yoku often begins with barefoot forest retreats; your tour guide will take you to the densest and clearest part of the forest, slowly exploring every branch, tree, and grass so you truly feel what nature is. Popular Shinrin-Yoku destinations include the forests of Yoshino-Kumano National Park and the Yakushima National Park.

Sound Bath Healing, Joshua Tree, California

Ask any Californian about the best activity, and they’ll definitely name the sound bath healing. If you’re confused, sound bath healing is a meditative experience where all attendees bathe in the sound waves produced during a fun ritual. The ceremony usually takes place all over Joshua Tree because the lack of air pollution makes for a purer and more relaxing experience. It might sound insane, but hearing those waves really makes you feel one with nature.

Finnish Sauna and Ice Plunge, Lapland

Two of the most unique experiences in Finland are taking the Finnish Sauna and the Ice Plunge. What makes the Finnish sauna special is that, unlike steam rooms, it uses dry heat, so while you’re simmering and relaxing, you’re not too bothered by the humidity. Some people like to pair the Finnish sauna with an ice plunge, which is exactly what it sounds like. We recommend taking things a bit slowly and dividing the two activities across days, so you can experience both of them.

Lavender Harvesting, Provence

Imagine standing in a field of lavender, taking in the views, and instantly relaxing because of the fragrance. Now imagine if you could pack that experience in a bottle and take it home. Well, if you’re in Provence, France, that’s what you’ll get to do. Lavender harvesting is a popular activity that begins in mid-to-late July and usually centres around the fields of Upper Leberon, Valensole, and Sisteron. With your tour guide’s help, you can pick out lavender and even take tours exploring how it’s pressed to produce oil and aromatic scents.

Olive Oil Harvest, Crete

One of the most unique experiences is the olive oil harvest in Crete. Don’t underestimate this activity; the Cretan olive oil harvest is a rural activity that brings communities together. It starts in early November and goes all the way until January when Cretans gather and load crops into the trucks. The sorting of olives is usually done in the factories, and since olive oil harvesting isn’t a typical tourist activity, you’ll need to request a tour. Once you get in, you’ll learn how olive oil is harvested, all the while snacking on mezze-style traditional Cretan food.

Blindfold Tour, Lisbon

If you really want to take things up a notch, try heading up to Lisbon and exploring it without really seeing anything. It sounds insane, but several tour agencies and programs plan blindfold tours for Lisbon. The tour isn’t as dangerous or intimidating as it sounds; participants are taken to the safer streets of Old Lisbon, where they’re blindfolded and guided as tour guides take them to the most iconic spots. Meanwhile, you’ll also get a fun historical insight into Lisbon’s old charm.

Baobab Sunset Walk, Avenue of the Baobabs, Madagascar

If you want a sensory experience that feels almost otherworldly, head to the Avenue of the Baobabs in western Madagascar. The trees here are massive, and unlike anything you’ve probably seen before. As the sun begins to set, the sky fills with warm orange light, and the long shadows of the baobabs stretch across the red earth. The air is still, and everything feels quiet in the best way. You can combine this trip with other tours to have an unforgettable experience in Madagascar. 

Icelandic Geothermal Baths

Lastly, we’ve got the geothermal baths in Iceland, which are one of the few iconic sensory destinations that have already taken the world by storm. You’ll have to plan the geothermal baths in advance since they get pretty crowded, especially when you go for the more mainstream destinations like the Blue Lagoon. But if you’re looking for finer spas, head to places like GeoSea, where you’ll get to experience a little bit of luxury, too. You can also couple the experience by visiting the nearest geo-beach, which is as relaxing and comfortable as it sounds.