Crossing borders is more than a change of scenery; it’s a lesson in geography, history and culture.
It sharpens your sense of place – how mountains, rivers and historical legacies influence not just maps but mindsets. Borders reveal both the fragility and resilience of identity. They offer insight into how nations are formed, how regions are connected and how people adapt.
Read on to explore five holiday ideas that cross national boundaries, each offering a richer, more layered understanding of place:
Silk Roads and Nomad Lands
“You can see the Stans in isolation, but you’ll only get fragments of the bigger picture. Combine all five and suddenly the Silk Road makes sense; the cultures, landscapes and connections come alive. From yurt sunrises to desert train rides and the thundering chaos of kok boru, every moment reveals something about the psyche of this endlessly fascinating region.” – Jim Davies, Central Asia Expert
Discover our Journey through Central Asia holiday idea.
Revolution, Rituals and Rainforests
“Costa Rica gets the spotlight, but add El Salvador and Nicaragua and everything clicks into place. Travelling between these three countries gives you a rare view of Central America as a connected region, shaped by migration, resilience and geography. From colonial towns to volcanic lakes and cloud forests, this journey reveals the shared roots and striking contrasts that define the region.” – John Faithfull, Central America Expert
Discover our El Salvador, Nicaragua & Costa Rica holiday idea.
A Journey of the Senses
“Travelling through Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand by cyclo and tuk tuk connects you to the everyday rhythm of life here. Sip broth in Hanoi’s backstreets, watch dawn break over Angkor, and dive into Bangkok’s buzz. Moving between these countries reveals a deeper thread — shared flavours, layered histories and the kind of hospitality that stays with you.”– Clare Higginson, Southeast Asia Expert
Discover our South East Asia holiday idea.
Bush, Beach and Bold Conservation
“On safari, borders don’t make sense. Elephants don’t stop at immigration posts, they follow ancient migration routes, moving instinctively across Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. This journey does the same. From tracking leopards in South Luangwa to paddling Lake Malawi and sleeping under canvas in rewilded Gorongosa, you’ll experience wild Africa as it really is: interconnected, untamed and unforgettable.” – Illona Cross, Africa Expert
Discover our Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique holiday idea.
Crossroads of the Caucus
“Crossing from Georgia into Armenia gives real perspective; you see the similarities, but also the subtle shifts in language, food and feel. From clifftop monasteries to toasting amber wine with locals, it’s a place where you can taste the past and by crossing these borders, you understand it more deeply.” – Paul Craven, Georgia & Armenia Expert
Discover our Georgia and Armenia group tour.
Every crossing, whether marked by a checkpoint or just a change in dialect, deepens your understanding of the interconnectedness of peoples and the, often invisible, threads that link them.
If you’d like to discuss any of these itineraries further – or join the Georgia and Armenia group tour – get in touch with one of our travel experts using the form below.