Elevate Destinations

Experts in socially responsible luxury travel. We design travel experiences that support conservation and local communities without skimping on comfort.

Elevate Exceptional: Luxury Adventure Travel

Singular luxury journeys with a distinctive sense of adventure

In honor of our twentieth anniversary, Elevate launched a new trip series: Elevate Exceptional.

Elevate Exceptional trips are singular journeys that embody an emerging, distinctive sense of adventure and luxury. They may be distinguished by the unique opportunity they offer to explore an unusual or remote region or destination, engage with Indigenous communities and guides, or reconnect with themselves, nature, and others in an immersive manner.

Whatever the X factor, these trips will leave you delighted and inspired. As always, our sustainability values will be baked into every trip.

Browse through some of our favorite Elevate Exceptional adventure trips below, and chat with a specialist.

Let an expert travel designer plan your next trip

Sample Itineraries

Inspiration for your custom adventure
Elevate Destinations awards

What our travelers are saying

  • Norway: Several people in yellow kayaks paddle near a glacier and floating ice in calm, cold water under a cloudy sky.

    “Elevate Destinations is responsive, communicative, and thoughtful. The itinerary was designed beautifully, allowing us to enter a new country with a thorough introduction then complemented with unique and tailored experiences. The trip was immersive and pushed our limits, which really enabled a shared family experience.”

    –The Keenan Family, Norway

  • “Elevate Destinations is not a travel agency but rather a creator of luxury travel experiences. Trip design/seamless integration of travel, accommodations, activities, and attention to detail are extraordinary. Perfect for families or groups of friends traveling together.”

    –David Mainman, Switzerland

  • The Warren Family

    “It was just an amazing adventure offering an experience unequalled and something that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. I’d recommend Elevate for the personal service, the wonderful itinerary, and their intimate knowledge of each lodge and conservancy.”

    –Lisa Warren, Kenya

  • A giraffe leans its head through a large window into a dining room in Kenya, eating from the table as a smiling family of four enjoys their meal and watches the animal.

    “It felt like Kenya and the perfectly curated trip encouraged true connection with our kids—no screens, no distractions, just a deeper understanding of the world and of nature. At every turn of our trip, my husband and I witnessed our young children absorb their new surroundings and were in awe as we saw them become young travelers themselves. ”

    –The Baird/Ryan Family, Kenya

  • A couple stands on a dirt trail, surrounded by green shrubs and trees under a cloudy sky, with distant hills in the background.

    “Elevate Destinations is outstanding! They were incredibly responsive and adaptive to our needs. The itinerary they created and managed for us resulted in one of my best travel experiences ever. It was the perfect balance between free time and activity, and the Elevate team was so helpfully responsive and accommodating.”

    –Cassandra McIntosh, Portugal

  • Two people riding camels in a desert landscape with clear blue sky and sandy hills in the background.

    “Our Morocco trip was the best one I have ever taken. Dominique and her team did an exceptional job with the hotels, drivers, and our guides. The Riads, Kasbah and glamping we experienced were amazing!”

    –Jay Pollit, Morocco

  • Norway: Two people sit on a rocky mountain ledge with mugs, wearing outdoor clothing and caps. A thermos is placed beside them, and greenery and cliffs are visible in the background.

    “I just wanted to thank you again for arranging such an unforgettable trip. We had an absolute blast. Javier, our guide, was amazing. His depth of knowledge, relationships and hospitality were first class. We will certainly go back to the Arctic at some point… We are already excited to return to Africa next summer with Elevate!”

    –Kevin Samuelson, Norway

  • The Burke Family

    “We would recommend Elevate Destinations 10000000%. What I’ve been expressing to people is how much you all listen to what we wanted to do and how perfectly it was executed. We traveled with a 15-year-old and 12-year-old girls. They loved the evening sleep out and the breakfast in the morning over the open fire. They also truly enjoyed visiting the local communities, playing soccer with the girls soccer club, and riding in a plane around Victoria Falls. We recommend Elevate Destinations for anybody looking for an amazing travel agency. ”

    –Timothy Burke, Zambia

  • Kasbah Bab Ourika in Morocco

    “We have worked with other planners and now place you at the very top! From our first introduction you listened well and created a very responsive and perfect journey. Thank you Elevate for designing a non-touristy, authentic exploration of the amazing culture, people, cuisine and many colors of Morocco. Our 70th birthday adventure was beyond expectation!”

    –Lisa Kohler, Morocco

  • “The entire Elevate Destinations team is such a pleasure to work with! Travel traveling with our grandchildren means that we have a need for stress-free, safe, and dependable logistics. And these guys certainly achieved that for us! Thank you so much to the entire team for giving our family one of the best trips in Greece that we could possibly have ever imagined!”

    –Robin Giddings, Greece

  • “Elevate Destinations planned our summer family vacation to Belize and it was the perfect combination of adventure, relaxation, and service. It was such a perfect adventure for our family. I think everyone appreciated the time together and the ability to give back as well. Highly recommend for their thoughtful itinerary and personal touch. This trip made some lasting memories for our family!”

    –Colleen Lee, Belize

  • “An amazing journey with wonderful guides and exceptional accommodations, Elevate Destinations understood our vision for this special trip and architected an adventure filled with lifelong memories.”

    –Thane Kreiner, Japan

Your Questions Answered

What to know about Elevate Exceptional adventures

What should I expect on an Elevate Exceptional adventure?

Elevate Exceptional trips are designed to take you beyond the expected, into unusual destinations that offer immersive experiences. Each Elevate Exceptional program is entirely unique, but the common thread of distinctive adventure opportunities with stays at luxury accommodations is woven into each trip. Whether you’re unwinding in a hot tub next to your teepee at an exclusive camp accessible only by boat or helicopter in Greenland, meeting with a village head and exploring remote beaches together in Socotra, or connecting with warrior-ambassadors from the Samburu community while enjoying close encounters with families of elephants in Kenya, you can expect experiences that are difficult to find anywhere else.

These journeys are designed around access, discovery, and a deeper connection to the places you visit, with carefully considered accommodations and experiences that complement the destination. From remote wilderness and rare wildlife encounters to cultural experiences and extraordinary landscapes, every detail is thoughtfully selected to create an adventure that feels both unexpected and distinctly your own.

What are the best destinations for off-the-beaten-path travel?

Our Elevate Exceptional programs are our most selective itineraries, and we add to them with great care. Three of our favorite off-the-beaten-path travel destinations are Greenland, Socotra, and Kenya. Our adventure in Greenland offers a seamless journey through the Arctic wilderness, with luxurious accommodations and bespoke experiences at every stop. In Socotra, our itinerary takes you through diverse landscapes, with active excursions such as snorkeling over vibrant coral reefs, diving to historic wrecks at depths up to 165 feet, and trekking at high altitudes with local experts. Kenya presents the opportunity to venture deep into the remote wilderness to safari destinations few others will experience, all while spending nights at camps that balance luxury and sustainability.

Each itinerary can be customized based on your preferences.

Where can I find unusual travel destinations that offer luxury adventure travel experiences?

Our Elevate Exceptional destinations, including Greenland, Socotra, and Kenya, are three of our top choices for unusual travel destinations that offer luxury adventure travel experiences, but there are so many possibilities.

Our travel designers, who each bring over 15 years of experience to planning luxury adventure travel, are incredibly skilled at curating luxury adventures in unusual travel destinations. Our planning process starts with a phone call to learn more about your travel style, preferences, and interests. From there, we’ll make recommendations and design an itinerary aligned with what you have in mind.

What kinds of exclusive travel experiences can Elevate arrange?

Each Elevate Exceptional journey is unique, and we’ll match our exclusive travel experiences to your interests. As an example, in Greenland, you might find yourself swimming and kayaking alongside icebergs or savoring a traditional meal in a local family’s home, with nights spent at a remote camp that hosts just ten guests at a time. In Socotra, you can trek through prehistoric landscapes featuring steep canyons and tranquil pools; in the evening, gather around the campfire and listen to captivating Socotri stories from a prominent local figure. In Kenya, spend time in the heart of the Samburu National Reserve, where you’ll get to know Samburu warrior-ambassadors from this pastoralist community as they introduce you to the wild elephants that call the reserve home. Our exclusive travel experiences cater to all fitness levels and interests, whether you’re looking for cultural immersion, active adventure, or a rejuvenating journey through the world’s wildest landscapes.

Can I customize a luxury adventure around remote, unusual, or exclusive experiences?

Yes, at Elevate Destinations, we specialize in designing customized luxury adventures around remote, unusual, and exclusive experiences. Elevate Exceptional journeys are our most exclusive offerings. Our sample itineraries provide a starting point for your trip. Once you’re ready to get started, you’ll have a quick phone call with one of our travel designers, where you can share your travel style, preferences, interests, and any notes you might have after reviewing a sample itinerary. Then, our travel designer will refine your trip to include remote, unusual, and exclusive experiences that align with what you have in mind.

Who is luxury expedition travel best suited for?

Luxury expedition travel is best suited for those seeking awe-inspiring, refined journeys to lesser-traveled destinations. These immersive journeys are often an ideal option for those who have traveled frequently and are looking for something different that truly immerses you in a unique destination. These trips can be catered to everyone — from multigenerational families to couples and friend groups — and customized to your fitness level, travel dates, and other preferences. If you’re seeking access to rare travel destinations, indigenous travel experiences, or luxury lodges and bespoke experiences in remote destinations, our Elevate Exceptional programs will be an ideal match.

Can you design remote luxury travel itineraries for families?

Yes, we can work with your family to design a remote luxury travel itinerary that fits in each traveler’s interests, fitness level, and travel style. You know your family best, which is why the first step in our planning process is a quick phone call to learn more about your needs and preferences. This way, we can customize the itinerary to be the perfect match for your family.

For families with younger children, we can include experiential activities that keep them engaged while teaching them about local cultures, customs, and ecosystems at an age-appropriate level. These deeply immersive trips are enriching for all ages, and every family member will come home with a deeper understanding of their destination and memories to last a lifetime.

How should I plan remote destination travel?

Planning travel to remote destinations isn’t easy. Once you’ve researched which destinations and regions are the right fit for your travel group, you still have to navigate the logistics—from transfers and accommodations to activities and meals. Hotel selection can be particularly tricky in remote destinations, where it’s not always easy to know which properties will deliver the immersive, luxury experience you’re looking for, or how to navigate getting to and from each of them.

Elevate Destinations takes care of all these details for you. Our knowledgeable travel designers are experienced travelers themselves, with firsthand knowledge of destinations around the world. They carefully vet experiences and hotels to ensure each one is the right fit for your needs and preferences, while coordinating the logistics that bring your itinerary together. That way, you can focus on connecting with your destination and travel companions, which makes for a truly memorable, rejuvenating journey.
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