In 2024 the DINKs – that is, Dual Income, No Kids couples – are having a new heyday. Unhindered by 7pm bedtimes or structured school holidays, and with extra cash in the bank, the childless-by-choice are free to enjoy far-flung or lengthy trips in the world’s most inspiring destinations.
Sound like you? Make the most of all that spare income, and your ability to jet off at a moment’s notice, and book one of these once-in-a-lifetime trips…
Explore the Dalai Lama’s homeland
With its soaring altitudes – capital Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world – rich cultural sights and adventurous air, Tibet isn’t number one on family-friendly to-do lists. But it’s brilliant for unencumbered DINKs who can tour the majestic Potala Palace, wander through Norbulingka, summer palace of the Dalai Lama, and visit vast and serene monasteries. On a 10-day trip with World Expeditions starting and ending in China’s Chengdu, you’ll enter Tibet via a spectacular train ride – the highest in the world – and reach heights of 3,670m. Heady stuff indeed.
From £2,690 per person for 10 days, worldexpeditions.com
Unwind at an adults-only all-inclusive
No splash pools, no screaming at the buffet – if you want tropical all-inclusive relaxation with a kiddie-free ambiance, then an adults-only hotel fits the bill. One of few Maldivian private island stays with a strict grown-ups-only policy, Hurawalhi epitomises the Indian Ocean dream with its rows of overwater villas, complete with sundecks and steps leading right into the sea. Clink cocktails as the sunset descends, join a dolphin cruise or take a windsurfing lesson. Then (for an extra fee) feast on limey fish carpaccio and king crab with saffron foam in 5.8 Undersea Restaurant, the world’s largest all-glass undersea restaurant.
From £4,499 per person for 7 nights, travelbag.co.uk
Cruise to the White Continent
An Antarctic cruise is proper bucket list territory – but between the high cost per-head and challenging crossing of the notoriously rough Drake Passage, it’s not really one for wee travellers. Small-scale expedition sailings from high-end French cruise operator Ponant get you up close with the glacial, iceberg-dotted landscapes of the White Continent while also delivering sophisticated adult atmosphere via chic design, white tablecloth dining and expert-led lectures. On a 10-night Emblematic Antarctica voyage starting and ending in Ushuaia in Argentina, you’ll hike, sea kayak and ride in a zodiac inflatable with a pro naturalist who’ll point out humpback whales, leopard seals and multiple types of penguin.
From £9,470 per person for 10 nights, ponant.com
Cycle the wine trails of Umbria
Nothing says ‘grown up’ holiday like a visit to a wine region. Especially when you do it as part of a cycling tour, feeling the freedom of the breeze against your face as you peddle through rolling vineyards, sun-speckled olive groves and medieval villages. On a self-guided cycling tour with Headwater you and your other half can wind your way through the photogenic Valle Umbra to hilltop wine village Montefalco to sip crisp Grechetto-based whites and inky reds made from Sangiovese and Sagrantino. When bellies start to rumble, there’s no compromising on where or what to eat; so tuck into ribbony strangozzi pasta with heaps of black truffle.
From £1,399 per person for 7 nights, headwater.com
Safari in Namibia
There are plenty of family-friendly safaris out there – but Namibia’s offering is distinctly adult with its swathes of ancient orange desert and petrified trees, stashes of Stone Age rock art and world-class stargazing. On a dedicated Namibia for Couples trip with Original Travel the mood is expertly catered for romance, with a dune-top stay in the NamibRand reserve offering 30-degree views of the landscape – as well as 4x4 and walking safaris through challenging terrain, and evening campfire sessions under a pinprick sky. Cheetahs, lions, hartebeest, impala and leopards all roam the epic and austere wilds, so keep cameras at the ready.
From £7,415 per person for 13 days, originaltravel.co.uk
Hike the Inca Trail
Are you the couple that gets their kicks from a good old hike? Then with no kids to stop you, you can sign up for one of the world’s most iconic treks: Peru’s Inca Trail. Squiggly through mountain passes, cloud forest and ancient ruins to end in world-famous Machu Picchu, the iconic 15th-century Lost City of the Incas, the five-day guided hike is best tackled as part of a wider tour of the wonders of Peru. G Adventures runs main iterations including a 14-day ‘Inca Trail and the Amazon’ trip which includes visits to the serene Sacred Valley, historic capital Cusco, the wildlife-dense Amazon jungle and foodie capital Lima.
From £4,599 per person for 14 days, gadventures.com
Road trip along Route 66
America’s most iconic drive is one best tackled without a chorus of ‘are we there yet?’ echoing from the back seat. Long days in the car aren’t made for little legs, but as a twosome you can take a leisurely fortnight travelling by road from Chicago to Los Angeles, enjoying the scenery segue from glassy skyscrapers to forested mountains, arid desert and turquoise-lapped coast. Along the way you can pull over for meals in humble diners, quirky old museums and dusty towns that feel straight from the movies. And when you finally hit Santa Monica, California, you can spread out your towel on the beach to take in the sunshine without having to build a single sandcastle.
From £1,557 per person for 14 days, americaasyoulikeit.com
Island hop and dive in Raja Ampat
Strung off West Papua in a patchwork of blue, the remote and jungled archipelago of Raja Ampat is largely undiscovered – just the thing if you’re looking for a twosome trip with serious bragging rights. The 1,500 or so hilly islands hold white-sand beaches, hidden lagoons and some of the world’s finest diving reefs, perfect for exploring on board a small vessel. Cruise through the Misool archipelago, stopping off for snorkels, swims and dives and to explore domed caves. When you aren’t below the surface, you’ll have time together to enjoy untouched beaches, learn about local Asai culture and hike through dense landscapes.
From £10,620 per person for 15 days, audleytravel.com
See Europe by rail
Anyone can take a short European city break – but for DINKs with time, cash and flexibility, the chance to tour the continent in depth becomes a real possibility. In a more sophisticated take in Interrailing, Byway offers a 40-day Grand Tour of Europe by train which will zip you from London to Scotland, France to Belgium, Switzerland to Italy and beyond, ticking off the highlights of nearly a dozen capital cities. You’ll spend multiple nights in each stop so you’ve plenty of time to sightsee (or catch up on emails if you’re going to be remote working along the way). As a bonus, it’s an eco-friendly way to explore, too.
From £4,091 per person for 40 days, byway.travel
White Water Raft in Costa Rica
Coddled in dense jungle in the lush wilds of central Costa Rica, lush eco-stay Pacuare Lodge has one main way in: via a white-water rafting ride along the frothy rapids of the snaking Rio Pacuare. It’s the perfect heart-stopping approach for active couples who want to earn their stay at this indoor-outdoor wilderness lodge, where days can be spent canyoning, ziplining or hiking – or just kicking back in villas with deep soaking tubs. Tuck into organic farm-to-fork food, to the soothingsounds of nature, and don’t miss the after-dark tours of the local wildlife, including porcupines, tree frogs and snakes.
