Nothing sparks incredible storytelling quite like expedition travel and this year proved to be no exception. As we sailed to the farthest reaches of the globe, we found inspiration waiting on all seven continents. From dispatches in the wildest parts of Antarctica and Patagonia, to stunning photos from our inaugural expedition to Japan, here are some of our favorite expedition stories from 2023. Get Inspired By Photos, Videos, Webinars, Stories, And Exclusive Offers. Sign Up
10 Unforgettable Trips to Take When You Retire
Retirement is a time to reawaken dormant curiosities, rejuvenate your sense of wonder, and remember what it’s like to feel deeply, immediately alive. For those with an adventurous spirit, this time is practically synonymous with travel. Discover these 10 unique retirement trip ideas—epic journeys that will take you as far “out of office” as humanly possible.
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5 Things You Didn't Know: The Grand Egyptian Museum
After more than two decades, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)—a megalithic institution estimated to have cost more than $1 billion—prepares for its long-awaited opening. Once officially open, guests aboard our Egypt expeditions will experience this state-of-the-art institution firsthand. Until then, learn more about the museum's anticipated launch and the abundant treasures waiting within.
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Japan in Pictures: Highlights from Our Inaugural Adventures
This fall, we were delighted to see our highly anticipated voyage to Japan set sail for the first time, introducing guests to Asian treasures both iconic and uncommon. These alluring images, captured by staff photographer David Vargas, will immerse you in the teahouses, temples, and traditions that underscored our inaugural expeditions aboard the National Geographic Resolution.
Photo: David Vargas
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10 Spectacular Birding Destinations Around the World
While we spot birdlife on every expedition, there are certain destinations that stop even the most serious birder in their tracks. The exceptional places that made our list offer incredible opportunities to walk among jaw-dropping colonies of birds or to spot a single, rare species found nowhere else in the world.
Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
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Alaska vs. Baja California: Wild Wonderlands of the Pacific Coast
Wild and rugged Alaska is a surefire favorite when it comes to close-to-home destinations that feel a world away. But Northeastern Mexico’s Baja California Peninsula is equally enchanting when you venture beyond the bustling border cities and resort towns to the remote desert isles in the Gulf of California. We drew on more than 40 years of unparalleled experience navigating the hidden gems of each region to help you decide on the perfect Pacific expedition.
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Dispatches from the Ends of the Earth: Antarctica and Patagonia
Travel photographer Alex Stead has captured photos and video around the world, but Antarctica and Chile have always been the ultimate destination for him. In October 2022, he finally realized his dream of exploring these two wild landscapes when he joined us aboard Antarctica and Patagonia: Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords. Here, Stead shared some of his favorite voyage highlights, including an outstanding encounter with a puma in Torres del Paine National Park.
Photo: Alex Stead
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Meet the Fleet: Small Ships Handpicked for Their Destination
Lindblad Expeditions is perhaps best known for its adventure-ready expedition vessels which make up the Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, and take intrepid travelers to far-flung places like Antarctica and the Galápagos. But for a deeper look at destinations with particular historical or cultural flair, we offer up a curated collection of storied ships that are tailor-made for the countries they traverse. Here’s what you'll discover when you step aboard one of these intimate, elegantly appointed vessels.
Photo: David Vargas
![A fisherman on a small watercraft casts a net into the Mekong River with The Jahan riverboat in the background](https://cdn.expeditions.com/globalassets/expedition-stories/meet-the-fleet-bespoke-small-ships-handpicked-for-their-destination/jahan-with-fisherman-on-mekong.jpg?width=463&height=309&mode=crop&scale=both&quality=50)
Beyond the Blue Lagoon: 9 Uncommon Experiences to Have in Iceland
Travelers could easily fall in love with Iceland having seen only Reykjavík and the geological gems of the Golden Circle. But these are truly just the tip of the iceberg. Exploring Iceland on a small-ship expedition opens up an entirely new realm of possibility, taking you to far-flung, unspoiled corners of this enchanting subarctic isle where you'll enjoy unique experiences free from the typical crowds.
Photo: Rich Reid
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Southern Resident Killer Whales: Unique Icons of the Pacific Northwest
With any luck, guests aboard Exploring British Columbia and the San Juan Islands may spot the highly anticipated, but often elusive, southern resident killer whales of the Pacific Northwest. Through a unique partnership with the Center for Whale Research, our guests have an opportunity to speak to the researchers who know these mammals best. Learn more about these special orcas, the latest scientific discoveries in the field, and what travelers can expect when rubbing shoulders with the Center’s scientists.
Photo: Ralph Lee Hopkins
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Polynesia Vs. Melanesia: Deciphering the Differences
The diverse islands that make up Polynesia and Melanesia each have their own secrets to discover and choosing the right voyage among the sea of options can feel a bit daunting. With help from Karen Kuest and Susan Salvin, our expedition developers for these two key regions of the South Pacific, we took a look at the highlights and differences—and revealed what it's like to explore these destinations on an expedition with Lindblad-National Geographic.
Photo: Michael S. Nolan
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