Condé Nast Traveler: The Dream List - Experiences That Only Insiders Can Deliver

December 2007

You can delve deeper into an unfamiliar culture when you're able to gain access to places, events, and people that are normally off-limits. Below are 40 examples of such extraordinary experiences worldwide, ranging in price from $80 to $12,000. Because of their nature, these opportunities are subject to change and even cancellation. Not all are available every day, some only in limited quantities, and most cannot be booked à la carte but only as part of a larger itinerary. This list is not exhaustive, either: The very act of publicizing some rare experiences offered by the most well-connected travel firms would burn the bridges that make them possible. (Prices quoted are estimates for two people and include just the elements listed.)

Thailand: Elephant Whisperer (Philanthropy, Wildlife)

Meet with Sangduen Chailert, known as Lek, who founded the Elephant Nature Park near Chiang Mai and was named one of Time Asia's Heroes of 2005. You'll go with Lek to market to buy the day's food for her more than 30 rescued elephants (some victims of land mines, others saved from logging duties), have lunch, and help bathe the animals in a nearby river. Time your trip to coincide with the dry season (October through March). Cost: $1,000, including a donation. Source: Andrea Ross, Journeys Within Tour Company

Vietnam: Make Friends, Not War (History)

Go on a private tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels with a war veteran who spent time inside them—having once fought against Americans, Mr. Nam now welcomes them to his country. Beneath Cu Chi village, Vietcong soldiers hid in the narrow passageways, which also served as a food and weapons warehouse, a communications network, and the base of operations for the 1968 Tet Offensive. After crawling around the tunnels, you'll head back to Mr. Nam's home for dinner with his family. Cost: $500. Source: Andrea Ross, Journeys Within Tour Company

Condé Nast Traveler: 130 World's Top Travel Specialists

August 2007

Unrivaled access, special connections, destination savvy—these are just some of the tools each of these über-agents can deploy to bring the most to your next big trip. In parsing the day-to-day events of an actual itinerary, Consumer News Editor Wendy Perrin demonstrates how the intuitive maneuvers of a great travel planner can turn any journey into a smoothly orchestrated, magical experience…

Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam: Andrea Ross, Journeys Within Tour Company

Ross and her husband run a B&B in Siem Reap, and they've personally trained every guide they use. Pioneers in travelers' philanthropy, the couple encourage guests to sponsor a well or spend an afternoon teaching English. Read more at concierge.com