Are you searching for the perfect vacation for all animal lovers?
Zoos and sanctuaries make it possible to interact with animals in any environment. While it’s exciting to witness these animals so close to home, it’s important to remember the facts. Unfortunately, these environments don’t always prioritize the well-being and protection of animals.
If you want to interact with foreign animals, it’s best to do so in their natural habitat. Fortunately, animal-themed vacations are continuing to grow in popularity and diversity.
The best animal-themed destinations allow you to interact with animals in their natural habitat. This is also the perfect opportunity to protect and prolong their existence.
If you’re looking for the perfect animal-themed adventure, you’re going to want to read this. We’re uncovering the ten best places in the world that all animal lovers must visit in their lifetime.
1. Kangaroo Sanctuary -Australia
Today, the kangaroo population in Australia is nearing 50 million.
In fact, it’s well known that there are more kangaroos in Australia than there are residents! That being said, no trip to Australia isn’t complete without a visit to the kangaroo sanctuary.
This 188-acre land is home to orphaned and rescued kangaroos that were unable to survive in their natural habitat. This allows visitors to witness and interact with the kangaroos outside of their usual sleeping hours.
2. Swimming With Pigs -Bahamas
For those who are self-professed pig enthusiasts, a trip to The Bahamas is a must!
The swimming pigs live on an island in the Bahamas by the name of Big Major Cay. This island is totally uninhabited by humans and is run by the collection of pigs that choose to reside there.
Visitors are able to interact with the pigs as well as swim with them in the ocean. This is an entirely authentic and one-of-a-kind experience that is essential during any trip to the Bahamas!
3. Elephant Nature Park -Thailand
Did you know that there are only 40,000 Asain elephants remaining worldwide?
This number continues to decline each year and wildlife enthusiasts are warning of their extinction. This means that seeing and protecting elephants have never been more important than it is today.
This elephant nature park in Thailand ensures the proper treatment of elephants and helps to protect them from poachers. In supporting such an environment, you are also helping to elongate their existence and protect their habitat.
4. Shrike Safaris -Tanzania
If you’ve been considering a wildlife safari, it’s safe to say that Tanzania is one of the best countries to do so.
Whether you’re interested in seeing giraffes, lions or elephants, a wildlife safari is the best means of doing so. A safari allows visitors to explore the landscapes while getting up close and personal with the wildlife.
Shrike Safaris are perfect for anything from family trips and group excursions to more intimate tours fit for honeymoons.
5. Great Bear Rainforest Tour -Canada
Have you always dreamed of exploring Canada’s scenery and wildlife?
A great bear rainforest tour will guide you through British Columbia’s most famous forest and oceanic regions. This gives visitors the opportunity to witness bears, wolves, and whales in their natural habitat.
The best part? The proceeds of your trip will go towards Canadian wildlife conservation.
6. Taiama Jaguar Reserve -Brazil
This jaguar reserve in Brazil is a federally protected ecological ground. And, while there are countless jaguar tours available in Brazil, this tour operates differently.
Using trained biologists, this tour only relies on sustainable practices. This allows those on the tour the chance to see jaguars in their natural habit without being disruptive.
7. Sea Turtle Volunteer Missions -Ecuador
Are you interested in volunteering your time in South America?
The Galapagos Islands is always seeking animal-enthusiasts and volunteers. One of the most common forms of volunteering is centered upon helping and protecting the sea turtle population.
Here, visitors will gather data about local turtles, help to restore their habitats and engage with the turtles themselves. It’s also a great opportunity to witness other wildlife in the area such as penguins and iguanas.
8. Animal Refuge -Bolivia
Have you been in search of a work/live volunteer mission?
This privately owned animal refuge in Bolivia offers one of the best volunteer opportunities in South America. Here, volunteers can stay for days, weeks or months to assist in taking care of and protecting animals such as parrots, turtles, bears and monkeys.
Fortunately, this destination has a restaurant and accommodations on-site. This makes it simple for volunteers to facilitate an inexpensive yet meaningful trip.
9. Whale Watching Cruise -Alaska
Are you looking to visit one of the top whale-watching destinations in the world?
The state of Alaska is famous for its gorgeous landscapes and the high concentration of whales in their oceans. With an Alaskan cruise, you can look forward to seeing multiple orca and humpback whales in their natural habitat.
Some cruises even offer kayaking trips that allow the visitor to get up and personal with the whales. These excursions are most popular in the months between May and September as this is when the whales are most present and active.
10. Authentic Dog Sledding -Greenland
Are you looking to partake in authentic dog sledding?
While many choose to travel in the summertime, traveling in the winter also has its perks!
In Greenland, visitors are able to live as the locals do! Here, you participate in the traditional route of transportation: dogsledding. By sled, visitors are able to explore the vast Greenland environment and culture by way of an authentic team of dogs.
The Best Vacations for Animal Lovers
If you’re looking for the perfect family vacation, why not consider an animal-themed vacation?
For children and adults alike, these vacations are not only fun but incredibly rewarding as well. Fortunately, the tourism industry has made it simple to facilitate such memorable trips for animal lovers.
By supporting this type of tourism, you’re helping to protect endangered wildlife. This may be in terms of conserving their natural habitat helping to fund future projects. It’s safe to say this is a win-win situation for travelers and animals alike!
Do you eat, sleep and breathe travel? If so, be sure to continue browsing our blog for anything from must-visit travel destinations to globe-trotting travel tips.