10 unusual trips to book in October

Whether you choose a rainforest family adventure in Costa Rica or want to explore Jordan's stunning ancient history, we have some unusual small-group tours to take you well beyond the beaten track. Here are ten that are ideal to book this month.

1. Walking in Bhutan

Don’t look down as you cross over a deep canyon at the entrance to the sacred Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery sitting precariously on a vertical granite cliff at over 600 metres above the Paro valley. Prayer flags flutter in the breeze, and panoramic views of lush green pine forests unfold below you. This unique pilgrimage is worth every step.

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2. Family Peru in Depth

Brace the kids for an adrenaline-fuelled day of white-water rafting in the Sacred Valley of the Incas. The water fizzes and swirls beneath us and rugged mountains soar towards the sky either side of the gorge as we drift along the Urubamba River. And as if that wasn't enough, tomorrow we’ll get our first glimpse of the majestic Machu Picchu.

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3. Jordan Discovery

On this 9-day trip you’ll discover the highlights of Jordan’s fascinating history. The adventure kicks off with a visit to the ancient city of Jerash, considered to be one of the best-preserved Roman provincial towns in the world. Later, marvel at the rose city of Petra, one of Jordan’s most valuable treasures. You’ll spend a couple of days here, allowing you to really immerse yourself in this spectacular site.

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4. Iceland Yurt Adventure

Escape everyday reality with a stay in the heart of Iceland’s Golden Circle. Sleep under canvas in our custom-built yurts on a working farm in the wilderness, sharing your home with Icelandic horses. Head into the Eyjafjallajokull region in search of gigantic waterfalls and dare to walk behind the curtain of cascading water at Seljalandsfoss to feel the power of the water pounding into a swirling pool below.

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5. Hiking Turkey's Lycian Way

As you follow the route of Turkey’s Lycian Way, you’ll visit beautifully-preserved ruins and quaint villages from the past. The trip begins in the deserted site of Kayakoy, a ghost town of ancient buildings. Sidyma Ancient City, meanwhile, is home to unusual tombs from the Roman and Byzantine period. For a spot of relaxation and swimming, we’ll hike across lush fields and pine forests, before arriving at Patara Beach.

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6. The Five Stans of the Silk Road

Get off the beaten track with a trip into Tajikistan’s remote Fann Mountains. Jagged peaks tower above you as you wind your way up through the valleys in search of the bright turquoise waters of the Seven Lakes. Feel all of your senses come alive as you dip into a chilly lagoon and take time to enjoy the panoramic views with a delicious lake-side picnic after your swim.

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7. Highlights of El Salvador

Escape the tourist trail and soak up the lively atmosphere of El Salvador. Listen out for the distinctive clapping sound of ‘pupusas’ being cooked up in the streets and watch the locals skillfully wrapping your favourite foods into a corn flour dough, before patting it flat and tossing the stuffed bread onto a poker-hot grill. This delicious gooey treat is the perfect snack to fuel you on your adventure, as you immerse yourself in the eclectic landscape of this vibrant hidden country.

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8. Family Costa Rica Rainforest and Wildlife Adventure

Feel like an intrepid explorer as you navigate the jungle waterways in Tortuguero's ‘Mini Amazon.’ Drift through the dense canopy and cross narrow lagoons in the heart of this tropical forest. Keep your eyes peeled for heron, stork and kingfisher hiding in the everglades, as well as howler and spider monkey swinging through the canopy.

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9. Cycle Southern Spain - Murcia

The fragrant notes of almond and apricot blossom fill your lungs as you pedal through the vast countryside surrounding Cieza, Spain. Marking the beginning of spring, ‘La Floracion’ is a wonderful time to tour the region by bike. Feel the warmth of the sun on your back and witness a sea of pink and white flowers flowing through the valleys against a backdrop of lush mountains and blue skies.

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10. Walking in Dominica

As you trek through lush rainforest, a haze of steam seeps through the vegetation, and a faint rumbling sound can be heard in the distance. Then, out of nowhere, you come face to face with the heated waters of Boiling Lake. Here, bubbling hot springs flow through the orange rocks, and the calm surface is broken with sizzling water; a contrasting view from the temperate waters of the Caribbean Sea you enjoyed at breakfast!

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