As travellers continue to shift away from passive tourism, global adventure travel pioneer World Expeditions has reported a sharp rise in demand for its Curated Adventures; immersive, small-group journeys led by expert guides with deep cultural, ecological or creative insight. The division, which pairs purposeful itineraries with lived local knowledge, has seen record early bookings across 2025 and 2026 departures, signalling a growing appetite for connection-led travel that goes beyond the ordinary.
With exclusive departures, limited group sizes and rare access, many of the World Expeditions Curated Adventures book out well in advance. With group sizes often capped at just 12 participants and only one or two departures each year, these trips are designed to feel personal and exclusive.
Each itinerary reflects the perspective of the expert guiding it, making for a richer, more nuanced journey. For thoughtful, curious travellers, these are opportunities not just to travel differently, but to grow and return home with insight, inspiration, and experiences that last well beyond the return flight.
Sue Badyari, CEO for World Expeditions, comments;
“Travellers are increasingly choosing depth over the checklist. Rather than ticking off landmarks, people want meaningful, people-first experiences; journeys led by those who can provide context, insight and connection. Whether it’s exploring a landscape through the eyes of a local guide or learning the stories that shaped a region from an expert in culture, ecology or photography, these adventures offer travellers a way to truly engage with the places they visit.
“It’s not about just getting to a destination anymore. People want to understand what they’re seeing. They want a guide who opens doors and who can show them the artistry of a place, whether that’s through food, photography, language, or landscape.”
World Expeditions’ Curated Adventures scheduled departures for 2026 include:
Kazakhstan With Richard I’Anson
13 days, 19 March 2026 – 31 March 2026
Renowned travel photographer Richard I’Anson leads this exclusive 13-day photography journey through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, offering access to some of Central Asia’s most striking and remote landscapes. Designed for photographers of all levels and abilities, from beginner to expert, the itinerary spans canyons, salt flats, and desert formations best captured in the soft light of dawn and dusk.
Why this is different: Learn from a Lonely Planet veteran photographer with decades of travel photography experience.
Pricing: From AUD $9590 pp (flights not included)
Larapinta With Suzan Muir: Strength, Stories and Survival
8 days, 18 June 2026 – 25 June 2026
Walk alongside Suzan Muir – Alone Australia finalist, off-grid adventurer, and wilderness guide, and hear how a life lived close to nature has forged her resilience and resourcefulness.
Why this is different: Suzan’s background in education and ecology makes this ideal for travellers looking for a thoughtful, place-based walking experience.
Pricing: From AUD $5990 pp (flights not included)
Flavours of Central Vietnam with Duncan Lu
8 days, 8 May 2026 – 15 May 2026
Cook and explore with SBS TV food presenter Duncan Lu. This hands-on culinary journey through Central Vietnam is designed for food lovers, home cooks, and anyone eager to demystify Vietnamese cuisine and learn how to create restaurant-quality dishes at home.
Why this is different: Unlike other food tours that focus on observing and tasting, this experience is all about getting involved. You’ll shop in bustling markets, visit local farms, and learn how to turn fresh ingredients into authentic Vietnamese dishes through multiple hands-on cooking lessons.
Pricing: From AUD $4490 pp (flights not included)
These are not just trips. They are rare opportunities to walk alongside photographers, scholars, environmental crusaders, authors and local guides who bring landscapes and cultures vividly to life. Most of these experiences run only once per year. Due to limited capacity and specialist leaders, travellers are encouraged to book early.
