Best Places to Travel Outside of the US

Dreaming of escaping to a remote jungle lodge in Costa Rica or unwinding at a secluded private-island villa in the Maldives? Our trusted team of destination experts, led by co-owners Henrietta Loyd and Christopher Wilmot-Sitwell and all selected as 2025 Top Travel Specialists by Condé Nast Traveler, will arrange everything for you from start to finish so you can simply relax and enjoy your vacation. We couldn’t choose just 10, so here are our votes for the 11 best places to travel outside of the US right now.

Ranging from world-class beach retreats and private island escapes to vibrant cultural cities and unforgettable safari adventures, click here to get in touch with one of our experts and to book your next extraordinary trip!

For Best Beaches + Private Islands

The Maldives

If you seek utter peace and paradise, nothing beats the powdery white sands, gin-clear waters and vibrant coral life of the Maldives. Each retreat is a unique private island, which our specialists know like the backs of their hands and excel at selecting the best one for you. Some of our favourites include Six Senses Laamu, Baros, Vakkaru, Kudadoo, Constance Moofushi and Soneva Fushi. Wherever you stay, we also arrange unforgettable experiences such as a surprise picnic on a deserted sand bank, stargazing with an astronomer or scuba-diving with a marine conservationist.

Turks + Caicos Islands

With diverse marine flora and fauna and fabulous places to stay, the far-flung Turks + Caicos isles are perfect for couples, families, or friends alike. We’ll recommend the ideal hideaway, such as Amanyara on Providenciales’ north coast or COMO Parrot Cay, a private island with elegant beach villas, personal butlers, pools, and direct sea access. With the expertise of cazenove+loyd, your hideaway will be hand-tailored with the unforgettable. From stand-up paddle boarding through mangroves to scuba-diving among some of the world’s most vibrant reefs, and island hopping by boat or air.

Take over a private island in Tanzania

Not your typical Tanzanian trip, Thanda Island is a truly off-grid private escape in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean. Perfect for families and friends, this idyllic retreat sits within a marine reserve and features a five-suite villa and two beach bandas, accommodating up to 19 guests. Enjoy a swimming pool, tennis court, fully equipped gym, and a boathouse with sailing boats, kayaks, paddle boards, wakeboards, waterskis, and snorkelling equipment. Every experience is tailored to you, from exploring uninhabited isles to sundowners, disappearing with the tide, on a sand bank.

For Culture & History

Japan

Be dazzled by futuristic neon-lit cities, calmed by serene countryside and tranquil gardens, and transported through time by ancient temples and shrines. Delight in an extraordinary cuisine, from street-food treats to refined kaiseki meals, and immerse yourself in vibrant festivals, traditional tea ceremonies, and unique cultural experiences. With expert cazenove+loyd guidance, every journey is tailored to your specific interests.

Mexico

Few places blend world-famous cuisine, ancient heritage, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes quite like Mexico. Indulge in traditional street tacos, mezcal tastings, and innovative culinary fusions, and marvel at Aztec pyramids, Mayan temples, and colonial architecture. Wander colourful towns, lively markets, and charming plazas, soaking up rich traditions. From the turquoise reefs of the Caribbean to the dramatic Pacific coast, we can recommend outstanding hotels such as Las Alamandas, Hotel Esencia, Jashita, and Chablé Maroma, as well as handpicked private houses and villas. With the help of our wonderful cazenove+loyd destination experts, you will find you might never want to leave your heavenly Mexican home.

Egypt

Home to an extraordinary fusion of ancient wonders and contemporary culture, Egypt offers the ultimate adventure for curious, history-loving travellers. With the mighty Nile coursing through its verdant river valley and delta, bordered by sweeping desert landscapes, magnificent monuments, and a coastline offering world-class snorkelling and scuba diving, there is never a dull moment. Most journeys begin in Cairo, exploring the Pyramids of Giza, world-class museums and historic Islamic quarters, before travelling south to Luxor, the world’s largest open-air museum. Continue by Nile cruise to Aswan, or venture deep into the Western Desert to the remote Siwa Oasis.

For Nature + Adventure

Costa Rica

One of the smallest yet most biodiverse countries in Central America, Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers. Home to volcanoes, rainforests, cloud forests and abundant wildlife, around three quarters of the country is protected as national park or reserve, sheltering nearly five percent of the world’s flora and fauna. A pioneer of ecotourism, Costa Rica offers exceptional luxury lodges and boutique hotels in spectacular settings. Stay at Xandari, set on a lush coffee plantation, raft into remote Pacuare Lodge deep in the rainforest, or immerse yourself in nature at Nayara Tented Camp, where luxury meets the wild.

Australia

Vast, varied and endlessly captivating, Australia is a year-round destination defined by striking contrasts. Cosmopolitan coastal cities and world-class dining sit alongside ancient Aboriginal culture and vast Outback landscapes, creating journeys rich in diversity. Explore the kaleidoscopic Great Barrier Reef, walk through rainforests older than the Amazon, or venture deep into the Red Centre to witness Uluru at sunrise. Wildlife encounters are unforgettable, from kangaroos and koalas to migrating whales offshore. With carefully crafted bespoke itineraries, Australia unfolds at a relaxed pace, blending iconic highlights with remote wilderness lodges and lesser-known regions.

Canada

Canada offers extraordinary journeys shaped by epic landscapes and rich regional cultures. In French Canada, discover historic cities, European flair and a celebrated culinary scene. British Columbia pairs cosmopolitan Vancouver with soaring mountains, ancient rainforests and outstanding wildlife encounters, from bears to migrating whales. On the Atlantic edge, Newfoundland and Labrador captivates with rugged coastlines, remote fishing villages and iceberg-studded seas. Travel by rail, road or canoe through pristine national parks, hike alpine trails or explore coastal waters by boat, and experience sensational seasonal contrast from summer hiking and lake swimming to winter skiing and northern lights displays. 

For Safari + Wildlife

Kenya

Whether a first time safari goer or a seasoned traveller, a luxury safari in Kenya is an unforgettable experience. From the vast herds of the Maasai Mara to Laikipia’s rolling hills, tropical rainforests, rugged mountains and pristine Indian Ocean beaches, Kenya’s landscapes are as diverse as its wildlife. Leading the way in responsible tourism, many lodges and camps actively support conservation and community projects, and all cazenove+loyd safari holidays are designed around these initiatives. Some of our favourite stays include: House in the Wild, Borana Lodge and Hemingways Nairobi. This ethos allows guests to gain rare insights into vital conservation work, while enjoying tailored, family-friendly luxury experiences that combine adventure, education and the magic of Kenya’s wild spaces.

South Africa

South Africa’s dramatic landscapes, stunning coastline and vibrant cities create a cinematic playground for discerning travellers. From exceptional wineries and Cape Town’s renowned dining to thrilling whale-watching and high-end safaris, the country offers something spectacular for everyone. Our selected lodges combine style, character and a commitment to conservation, often small and owner-run, with expert guides bringing iconic landscapes and wildlife vividly to life. Immerse yourself in Cape Town at Camissa House, venture into the wilderness at Londolozi in Sabi Sands, or explore the coast and contemporary art at The Silo, for unforgettable, tailor-made experiences.

The Galápagos Islands

The months of May and June are great months to go to this nature lover’s paradise, as the weather is cooler and the wildlife is very active at this time of year, particularly the birds. We will take you on an incredible island-hopping adventure, taking in some of the prettiest, white-sand beaches, bays and islets in the Galápagos, on one of our favourite expedition yachts: Theory and Origin. Chartering a boat is an unbeatable way of exploring these biodiverse isles and getting friends and family together again. It is also a very good way of ensuring total privacy on your vacation.

Why book with c+l?

We, at cazenove+loyd, know the best local hosts, insiders and guides who will take you off the beaten path and under the skin of your desired country. You can trust our knowledgeable team of specialists to design the perfect bespoke itinerary for your luxury vacation. Get in touch to speak to an expert and start planning your next adventure now.