There’s nothing wrong with a holiday that involves lounging on a warm beach with a book in hand, or exploring the architectural wonders of an unfamiliar city. For many, those are the perfect ways to recharge. But every so often, the spirit craves something different – something that challenges expectations and shakes up the usual travel routine. Of course, trying unusual holidays comes with its own risks, whether that’s physical, logistical, or simply the possibility of discovering it’s not quite your cup of tea. Still, for the curious and the bold, these options offer stories you’ll be telling for years.

Here are some ideas for alternative holidays that go well beyond the usual tourist playbook—and how to actually make them happen:

 

  1. Silent Retreat in a Monastery
    Silent retreats are offered worldwide, from Buddhist monasteries in Thailand to Christian abbeys in Italy. Programs often range from three days to several weeks, including simple accommodation, vegetarian meals, and daily meditation or prayer sessions. You can find opportunities through organizations such as Vipassana Meditation (free, donation-based) or The World Community for Christian Meditation. Most retreats require advance registration, and participants are expected to follow strict guidelines—no talking, minimal phone use, and a willingness to participate in scheduled activities.
    Difficulty: 2/5 – Physically easy, but mentally demanding.
    Budget: €0–€500 / $0–$550 (many are donation-based, others charge modest fees).

  2. Working as a Lighthouse Keeper
    Some coastal countries offer seasonal programs for volunteers or paid workers to maintain historic or operational lighthouses. Duties can include basic maintenance, monitoring equipment, and greeting visitors. Opportunities appear on platforms like Workaway, HelpX, or through local maritime authorities. Some positions are remote enough to require supply boat drop-offs, so plan for limited access to shops and services. Apply several months in advance, especially for summer seasons.
    Difficulty: 3/5 – Isolation and self-reliance required.
    Budget: €200–€1,000 / $220–$1,100 (many placements include free lodging, food sometimes extra).

  3. Participating in a Scientific Expedition
    This is one of the most immersive ways to combine travel with meaningful work. Start by choosing your area of interest—marine biology, wildlife conservation, archaeology, or climate research—and then look at reputable providers: Earthwatch, Biosphere Expeditions, and Blue Ventures are among the best known. Applications are made online, and most expeditions require a participation fee covering accommodation, food, and research costs. Some need health checks or proof of travel insurance. Pack according to the field—anything from waterproof notebooks to snorkel gear—and expect early mornings, long days, and work alongside professional researchers.
    Difficulty: 4/5 – Demanding conditions and long hours, but highly rewarding.
    Budget: €1,500–€4,000 / $1,600–$4,200 (per two-week expedition, excluding flights).

  4. Joining a Tall Ship Crew
    Tall ship training voyages let you experience life at sea while learning navigation, knot tying, and sail handling. You can join trips lasting from a few days to several months via organizations such as Classic Sailing (UK) or Sail Training International. Most crews welcome beginners but require reasonable fitness and a willingness to follow strict safety protocols. Expect shared cabins, variable weather, and tasks that range from steering to cleaning the galley.
    Difficulty: 4/5 – Physically tough and weather-dependent.
    Budget: €800–€2,500 / $850–$2,700 (for 1–2 week voyages, meals and training included).

  5. Spending Time in a Desert Camp
    In Morocco’s Sahara or Jordan’s Wadi Rum, local nomadic families and tour cooperatives host visitors for multi-day stays. Activities can include camel treks, sandboarding, and traditional cooking lessons, plus nights spent under clear desert skies. Book directly with local operators to ensure fair payment, and bring clothing for both intense daytime heat and unexpectedly cold nights. Many camps are reachable only by off-road vehicles or on foot.
    Difficulty: 3/5 – Extreme climate and basic facilities.
    Budget: €300–€1,000 / $320–$1,100 (for 4–7 days, including food, guides, and camels).

  6. Going on a Mystery Destination Trip
    Companies such as Pack Up + Go (US), Journee (UK), and Blind Experiences (international) plan your holiday but keep the destination secret until shortly before departure. You provide your budget, dates, and preferences, and they handle everything else. It’s important to be flexible—weather, activities, and even the country may be a surprise. Ideal for travelers who enjoy spontaneity and can adapt quickly.
    Difficulty: 2/5 – Logistically simple, but unpredictable by nature.
    Budget: €500–€2,000 / $550–$2,200 (depending on trip length and region).

  7. Ice Hotel Experience
    The ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi, Sweden, and Hôtel de Glace in Québec, Canada, are rebuilt from snow and ice each winter. Guests sleep on beds carved from ice, topped with reindeer hides and insulated sleeping bags. Book for the December–March season, and prepare for indoor temperatures around -5°C (23°F). Many packages include winter activities such as dog sledding, ice sculpting, and Northern Lights excursions.
    Difficulty: 2/5 – Easy to arrange, but sleeping in sub-zero conditions isn’t for everyone.
    Budget: €400–€1,500 / $450–$1,600 (per night with activities, meals extra).

  8. Learning Traditional Survival Skills
    Bushcraft and survival schools operate in diverse environments—from Scottish forests to Australian outback. Programs from Ray Mears Bushcraft (UK) or Aboriginal Bush Traders (Australia) teach fire-making without matches, shelter-building, foraging, and navigation by stars or landmarks. Most courses last two to seven days and require moderate physical ability. This holiday leaves you with practical skills you can use on future adventures.
    Difficulty: 4/5 – Physically and mentally demanding, often outdoors in rough weather.
    Budget: €300–€1,200 / $320–$1,300 (depending on course length and location).

  9. Living with Nomadic Herders
    In Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, and Siberia, community tourism programs allow travelers to join nomadic families during seasonal migrations. You’ll assist with herding, milk animals, ride horses or camels, and live in yurts or tents. Look for reputable operators such as Ger to Ger (Mongolia) that ensure cultural respect and fair compensation. Conditions are basic, and you’ll need to adapt to local diets and customs.
    Difficulty: 5/5 – Remote, physically challenging, and culturally immersive.
    Budget: €500–€1,500 / $550–$1,600 (per week, usually including food and local guides).

  10. Extreme Minimalist Backpacking
    This is a self-imposed travel challenge: limit yourself to a small daypack (under 7 kg / 15 lbs) and travel for a week or more. Plan destinations with laundry facilities, bring multipurpose clothing, and choose compact gear from ultralight travel brands. Minimalist backpacking forces resourcefulness, but it also makes moving between destinations effortless. Start with a short trip before attempting extended travel.
    Difficulty: 3/5 – Manageable, but requires discipline and planning.
    Budget: €200–€800 / $220–$850 (depends on destination and how frugal you are).

Alternative holidays are not for everyone, and that’s precisely their charm. They require flexibility, a willingness to be uncomfortable, and an openness to the unexpected. But they also reward you with stories, friendships, and experiences that standard itineraries rarely deliver. So while the beach will always be there, perhaps next time you’ll try something just a little less predictable—and see where the road (or unmarked trail) leads you.

It should be noted, however, that in many of these locations reliable internet access and conditions for remote work may not be available. For destinations where working remotely is highly supported, we invite you to browse the properties listed on our FarHut.com portal to find the right balance between adventure and productivity.