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This Company Will Pay Your Rent to Explore the New 7 Wonders of the World

By Mike Richard Apr 21, 2021 6:39 AM

Over the last year, Contiki’s proven to be a next-level tour provider, especially for young, active, proudly single travelers. They showed us the best of Ecuador, they celebrated this year’s Singles Awareness Day by sidestepping Valentine’s Day altogether, and they plan some of the most legit, off-the-beaten-path tours on the planet. Now, they’re offering to pay your rent while you explore all seven of the New 7 Wonders of the World — seriously.

Contiki’s offer is simple: Book all seven of the company’s individual 7 Wonders of the World tours and Contiki will pay your rent for two months while you’re away. Collectively, the two-month, round-the-world itinerary covers four continents and includes the Taj Mahal in India, the Great Wall of China, Chichen Itza in Mexico, Machu Picchu in Peru, Brazil’s famous Christ the Redeemer monument, and the Colosseum in Rome. Plus, by including the newly announced Israel and Jordan Uncovered trip, you’ll visit the ancient city of Petra as well. Most travelers admit to wanting to visit at least one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. So, the possibility of seeing them all would be truly life-changing.

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Machu Picchu Peru — Machu Picchu (Peru). Image used with permission by copyright holder

Colosseum Rome Italy — Colosseum (Italy). Image used with permission by copyright holder

New 7 Wonders of the World

Great Wall of China (China)
Taj Mahal (India)
Chichén Itzá (Mexico)
Christ the Redeemer (Brazil)
Petra (Jordan)
Machu Picchu (Peru)
Colosseum (Italy)

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For anyone who loves to explore, it can seem impossible to coordinate a group trip with your friends. However, the idea of jetting off alone to some far-flung, unpronounceable country might seem daunting, even terrifying for some. That’s where Contiki comes in. Their catalog of “group singles” trips covers six continents; all guarantee the thrill of solo travel without the loneliness and headaches of travel planning.

The bad news is that, like any once-in-a-lifetime trip worth doing, this jumbo-sized, bucket-list-worthy expedition doesn’t come cheap. According to the fine print, the price to book all seven trips in the 7 Wonders of the World package starts at $13,610. That doesn’t include international flights or any additional accommodations, transportation, or meals not listed in the trip itineraries.

If you’re looking to take one hell of a gap year, need a serious break from adulthood, or want to relish a two-month celebration after quitting your desk job, it’s difficult to imagine a better way to do it. If it sounds too rich for your blood, they’ll even let you finance the whole trip. But, since you’ll be paying off your student loans until you’re 160 anyway, what’s a little more debt?

Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He’s kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South… Read Full Bio

Copenhagen was just named the world’s most livable city. After spending half my year here, I’m not surprised.

Copenhagen

Every few months, I swap Ohio for Copenhagen.

For roughly five or six months of the year, Denmark’s capital becomes home. My boyfriend lives here, which means I’ve had the rare opportunity to experience Copenhagen beyond the typical long weekend itinerary. I’ve settled into routines that make the city feel familiar, from stopping by Netto for groceries to grabbing what I still maintain is the best cinnamon roll I’ve ever had from Lagkagehuset. I’ve spent warm afternoons swimming at Ofelia Plads and Nordhavn, wandered through neighborhoods that rarely make first-time visitor guides, and discovered that some of the city’s best moments happen when there’s no plan at all.

These 2026 island getaways are surging in popularity right now

Sandals St. Lucia Grande

Expedia just released its latest set of data: The 2026 Island Hot List, a trending list that compiles the emerging islands travelers are searching for before they become the next big thing. According to the newExpedia data, interest in these rising island destinations is up 55% on average year-over-year, while social media mentions have climbed 20% as travelers look for new experiences, better value, and fewer crowds. If you ask me, this is pretty surprising to hear it’s up 55%, especially when I thought islands were already one of the most popular year-round travel destinations.

Ranked #1 on Expedia’s 2026 Island Hot List is St. Lucia, an island I first fell in love with back in 2023 when I went on my honeymoon there. Once you visit here, it’s pretty easy to see why it’s ranked the best for romantic escapes. This destination has been a popular spot for anniversary and honeymoon trips for a long time now — and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down. As travelers move beyond crowded Caribbean hotspots, many are willing to take the extra trek to destinations like St. Lucia for it’s dramatic scenery, romantic resort options like Sugar Beach, and soft adventure focus.

Six Senses Rome is a peaceful retreat in a beautifully chaotic city

the lobby at Six Senses Rome

Rome is one of the most visited cities in Europe, and by all accounts, it gets crowded. But considering that it’s one of the world’s most important epicenters for history, culture, food and architecture, we can forgive the crowds. After all, complaining about tourism when you’re a tourist is not the way. But booking yourself a peaceful respite to start and end each day most certainly is.

I chose Six Senses Rome as my home base during a recent four-day trip to the city. The property opened in 2023 in the restored 15th-century Palazzo Salviati Cesi Mellini. The historic building sets the tone before you even check in, with restored 600-year-old columns in the main entrance, pale travertine floors, a light-dappled lobby overflowing with greenery, and a massive marble staircase that’s almost comically regal. And its neighbor is the gorgeous San Marcello al Corso Church—so you can start your sightseeing by literally going next door.