Once in a lifetime trips: 10 journeys you should take
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A once-in-a-lifetime trip takes you somewhere that leaves you deeply moved: Japan’s cherry blossoms, the Pyramids of Giza or the glaciers of Antarctica. With points, it often costs a fraction of the cash price. These remarkable journeys usually lead to extraordinary places that can be remote or hard to reach.
For example, a cruise in the Galapagos Islands will allow you to spot exotic and fascinating wildlife. At the same time, a voyage to the seventh continent, Antarctica, will offer the chance to see stunning landscapes and witness the immenseness of the polar regions.
Here is our list of once-in-a-lifetime trips you should take in your life.
1. Japan: cherry blossoms in spring
A trip to Japan is impressive in itself; there are so many great things to experience in Japan, from the delicious food to the kindness of the people. However, it seems like magic is in the air during cherry blossom season or Sakura season. Being in Japan throughout this period is a beautiful feeling and a once-in-a-lifetime trip you will remember.
On Japan’s main islands, cherry trees bloom from mid-March to early May, starting in the south and moving north. In Tokyo, full bloom usually falls between late March and early April, but the date shifts every year, so check the blossom forecasts published over the winter before you book your flights. Keep an eye on the weather too, since one windy day can strip the petals and cut the season short.
There are many ways to experience this, from admiring iconic landscapes in their flowery décor or simply having a picnic with your loved ones under the trees in a park. Japanese people call this hanami which literally means ‘’to watch the flowers“.
Tokyo’s Shinjuku Gyoen Park, Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Walk and Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa are the most famous spots for Sakura viewing in Japan. The latter is my favourite as it is gorgeous, less crowded and admission is free for about a week at the peak of the Sakura season.
2. Iceland: the northern lights in winter
Iceland is known for its beautiful landscapes that seem out of this world. There are activities you can do in Iceland that are very unique such as scuba diving between two continents or walking on an active volcano. In addition, its location near the Arctic Circle makes it one of the best places to see the Northern Lights.
Going to Iceland to witness the Northern Lights is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and experience. Gazing at the dancing lights and dazzling colours in the skies is spectacular.
The prime time to spot the Northern Lights is during the winter months, from September to April.
3. Egypt: the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Museum
Ancient Egypt is among the various lists of cradles of civilization; from what we know, the area has an enormous amount of history. There are so many things to see in Egypt, and it’s a destination for all ages.
Indeed, the Pyramids of Giza will surprise you with their grandeur. They were built as tombs for the pharaohs of the time and are the last standing monument of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
The Pyramids of Giza are located just outside the city of Cairo and visiting them is a once-in-a-lifetime trip you will remember. There are also many ways to make it even more memorable such as gazing at them on camelback or from your room at Marriott Mena House, a 5-star hotel with stunning views of the pyramids you can book with points or with your annual free night award certificate.
Set aside a full day for the Grand Egyptian Museum too. It fully opened on November 1, 2025, a few minutes from the pyramids, and you can see Tutankhamun’s treasures there, brought together in one place for the first time.
The price of a night in points depends on your dates, because Marriott Bonvoy uses dynamic pricing, so check it before you transfer any points. If you have status with Marriott, you may get upgraded to a premium room with a view of the pyramids!
You can find a complete guide on how to get to Egypt on points here:
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4. Australia: diving the Great Barrier Reef
Located on the east coast of Queensland in Australia, going snorkelling or scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef is a once-in-a-lifetime trip you should do. This massive coral reef covers a humongous area and harbours an enormous quantity of marine life.
You can choose a day trip or longer live-aboard excursions to discover this place inside and out.
There is also the possibility to admire this beautiful wonder without getting wet with the many scenic flights you can take over the reef.
You can find a complete guide on how to travel to Australia on points here:
5. Maldives: sleeping in an overwater villa
Maybe I shouldn’t generalize this as it’s not everyone who seeks luxury but staying on an overwater villa over simmering turquoise water is a once-in-a-lifetime trip you should experience.
It’s not about the 5-star resort but more about the feeling of being secluded on your little island, in paradise, with stunning views everywhere you look. Then, when you wake up, you can slide the patio door open to have your morning coffee on your deck while spotting the fish in the crystal-clear water underneath. It’s one of those ‘’oh my god“ moments I never knew I needed.
The sunsets are mesmerizing, and it’s one of the best places to experience such a sight. There are also so many properties in the Maldives to offer opportunities to stay on overwater villas with points which make this usually expensive experience affordable:
6. Italy: hiking between the Cinque Terre villages
In terms of charming, picturesque European villages, a visit to the Cinque Terre is set to be a memorable journey. Specifically, walking the Sentiero Azzurro, the coastal trail that links the five villages, is a once-in-a-lifetime trip you should take.
You will be rewarded with stunning views of the sea and gorgeous villages. The Italian culture is also a vibrant one with delicious food and a rich history; try the pesto and the fish in the region; it’s incredible.
Before you go, check trail conditions on the Cinque Terre National Park website: some sections of the Sentiero Azzurro stay closed for years after a landslide. Access to the trail requires a paid Cinque Terre Card, and the Via dell’Amore, reopened between Riomaggiore and Manarola, requires a timed reservation.
You can find a complete guide on how to get to Italy on points here:
7. Africa: spotting the Big Five on safari
There are many places in Africa where you can embark on a safari to spot the Big Five, such as Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. There, you can witness some of the world’s most incredible animals in their natural habitat. Going on a safari in Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and the landscapes are marvellous.
While it seems like an expensive holiday, there are different ways to reduce the cost, simply by doing it yourself. Indeed, some places are easier to maneuver for this once-in-a-lifetime trip, such as South Africa, where you can rent a car and do your own game drive.
You can find a complete guide on how to plan a safari in Africa on points here:
8. Nepal and Tibet: seeing Everest from base camp
Earth’s highest point, Mount Everest, has always been interesting because it sounds so unreachable. While climbing to the top of the world is something quite dangerous, travelling to the Himalayas to gaze upon Mount Everest from its base camp is a once-in-a-lifetime trip you should take.
There are two base camps you can go to for the best views of the massif: one is in Nepal and one is in Tibet. On the Nepal side, plan for about 12 days of trekking round trip from Lukla, acclimatization days included. On the Tibet side, the road runs almost to the foot of the mountain, but you must join an organized tour with a Tibet Travel Permit, and since 2019 visitors stop in the Rongbuk Monastery area. These rules change often, so check them with your tour operator before you book.
You can find a complete guide on how to journey to Tibet on points here:
9. Galapagos: meeting giant tortoises on a cruise
My best memory of my cruise around the Galapagos Islands was the magnificent landscapes and beaches filled with biodiversity. The Galapagos are home to so many unique animals and species, including giant tortoises, that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
You could see masses of wildlife and very little human presence left and right.
Budget for the Galapagos National Park entrance fee as well: since August 1, 2024, it costs US$200 per foreign adult, payable when you arrive in the islands.
You can find a complete guide on how to get to the Galapagos Islands on points here:
10. Antarctica: setting off on a polar expedition
Polar expeditions, especially to Antarctica, are one of those once-in-a-lifetime trips you should take because it’s an opportunity to discover one of the most remote and isolated locations on the planet.
Antarctica is a continent almost completely covered in ice. Therefore, the landscapes are stunning and unique with all the glaciers, icebergs, snow, etc. In addition, it is home to a wide array of animals, such as penguins, seals, whales and birds. It is fascinating how these animals call Antarctica home, as it is the coldest, windiest and driest place on Earth.
You can find a complete guide on how to get to Antarctica on points here:
Bottom Line
The list of once-in-a-lifetime trips you should take doesn’t end here, as it will vary with your preferences. But the destinations mentioned here are spectacular, unique and unforgettable.
Whether you are an adventure seeker or simply someone who loves to see and taste new things, you should consider one of these places. While they may seem remote and expensive, there’s always a way to explore the planet at a fraction of the cost with points.
To make sure you’ve got everything covered, see our Ultimate Checklist for Travellers!
Frequently Asked Questions
How can you pay for a once-in-a-lifetime trip with points?
The most flexible option is to collect transferable points, such as American Express Membership Rewards, which transfer 1:1 to Aeroplan, British Airways Avios or Flying Blue. That covers the long-haul flight, often the biggest expense of the trip. For the hotel, Marriott Bonvoy or Hilton Honors points cover your nights.
Is the Marriott Free Night Award enough for the Mena House?
The annual certificate from the Marriott Bonvoy American Express Card is worth up to 35,000 points, and Marriott lets you add up to 25,000 points to it. Since the Mena House's points price varies by date, compare your night's rate with that limit before you book.
What is the best season for these trips?
In Tokyo, cherry blossoms usually reach full bloom between late March and early April. Iceland's northern lights are visible from September to April, and Antarctic expeditions sail from November to March, during the southern summer. Book your award flights early for these busy periods.
Do you need a visa to visit the Pyramids of Giza?
Yes. With a Canadian passport, you can get an e-visa before you leave or a 30-day tourist visa on arrival in Egypt, paid in US dollars cash, according to [Travel.gc.ca](https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/egypt).
Is your credit card insurance enough after 65?
Not always. Of the 151 cards whose insurance we track, 30 lose all travel medical coverage at 65, and the average length of coverage drops from 19.3 days before 55 to 6.4 days at 65 and over. For a long trip such as a polar expedition, check the coverage length in your card's insurance certificate before you leave.
How can you avoid foreign exchange fees abroad?
Most credit cards add a 2.5% conversion fee on purchases in foreign currencies. For safaris, cruises and excursions paid on site, a card with no foreign transaction fees saves you $25 on every $1,000 you spend.
