We travelers really are looking for something different and as such, travel trends really have been steered in this direction. On the search to discover something truly diverse, Total Management US has put together some of the most out there extraordinary experiences.

Gorilla Trekking in Africa

Most people venture to Africa to embark on safari, witnessing a plethora of wildlife – from lions to leopards to herds of buffalo. However, if you travel a bit north on the continent, specifically to the jungles of Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo, a more less known animal encounter awaits you: a gorilla trek. Gorilla trekking offers travelers a unique, life-changing experience in which you roam freely with wild gorillas in their natural habitat. Gorillas are known to physically brush by and sit around trekkers, making their human counterparts feel integrated in to their family unit. Such a close encounter is truly a humbling, wild experience.

Recommended Accommodations in Uganda: Sanctuary Gorilla Forest Camp | Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge

Recommended Accommodations in Rwanda: Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge | Virunga Lodge

Snorkeling and Diving with Jellyfish in Lake Palau

Snorkeling or diving with jellyfish typically results in uncomfortable stings everywhere. However, an uninhabited rock island off the coast of Koror in Palau lies a lake that enables swimming with these creatures without any hurt or pain. Due to the lack of predation, the jellyfish lost their stingers over the course of 12,000 years. It is truly an unworldly, remarkable experience that only transpires in this lake throughout the world.

Recommended Accommodation: Palau Pacific Resort

Swim with Humpback Whales in Tonga

Holiday makers are not the only ones to return to Tonga’s shores on a regular basis. After a long journey north from the icy krill-laden depths of Antarctica, southern humpback whales take shelter in the tropical reef-protected waters of Tonga to give birth to their young. The arrival of the whales transpires from July to October. The high number of whales visiting Tongan waters at this time of year means there are plenty of opportunities to see and swim with them. Tonga is one of the few places in the world where you can still swim with the whales. Finding yourself in such a close proximity to the world’s largest mammal will remain a life-lasting memory.

Recommended Accommodation: Fafa Island Resort

Monkey Beach in Phi Phi Don, Thailand

When visiting the islands off of Thailand, a visit to Monkey Beach on Phi Phi Don is a sure must. The bay off the beach, Yong Kasem Bay, offers tourists excellent snorkeling with colorful coral and a myriad of fish. However, the main attraction of the beach surely are the hairy visitors that reside there: the monkeys. Tourists gain access to the beach either by hiking or kayaking there. If you opt to kayak – which is highly recommended – you will be able to enjoy the crystal-clear waters. Once on the beach, take a walk on the white powdery sand and take-in this magical sight of monkeys. Do take care of your valuables though; the monkeys are known to quickly snatch items!

Recommended Accommodation: Zeavola Resort | Phi Phi Island Beach Resort

Swim with the Pigs in Exuma, Bahamas

Pigs aren’t considered as aquatic animals; however, for some reason or another, there is a beach full of them that swim in the Caribbean. Grab your swimsuit and head down to “pig beach” on Big Major Cay in the Bahaman island of Exuma, and dive right into the crystal-clear waters alongside the swine. It’s not a new tourist attraction, but it’s certainly one for the bucket list.

Recommended Accommodation: Grand Isle Resort

For more Extraordinary Experiences, visit Total Management Experiences or email Experiences