Celebrity Race Across the World: The best destinations for a more varied travel experience

This year’s celebrity contestants have started their race towards Australia, but which spots along the way are best for your own travel story?

Did you catch the start of the latest series of BBC One’s Celebrity Race Across the World? Four pairs of famous faces will be battling it out to get from Kuching in Malaysian Borneo to Melbourne on Australia’s south coast. While there’s a certain thrill to ticking multiple countries off at once as you race to the finish line, it’s often just as worthwhile taking the time to properly take it all in on your travels. If you’re feeling inspired by the show, what better way to relive the excitement than by following in the celebrities’ footsteps?

Five destinations for your own Race-inspired adventure

Travel is always full of memorable moments, but what makes Race Across the World so special is the sheer number of unique experiences each contestant enjoys as they speed to the finish line. With that in mind, these Southeast Asian and Oceanian hotspots are perfect for your own wish-list adventure.

Malaysia

Of all the countries in Southeast Asia, Malaysia has perhaps the greatest range of highlights, from hyper-modern cityscapes and colonial-era landmarks to untamed rainforest stretches. The series started in Kuching in Malaysian Borneo, and if animal encounters interest you, these wild rainforests offer some of the best conditions to see orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys. The celebrities’ journey across the island only scratches the surface, though, and there are even more fascinating cultural experiences to be enjoyed on the mainland.

Kuala Lumpur is perhaps the most popular spot, and that’s largely thanks to its contrasting collection of attractions. The Petronas Towers dominate the skyline and promise panoramic views from their observation deck, while down below, the street markets of Kampung Baru offer a more intimate introduction to the city and its distinctive local culture. On the outskirts of the city, the Batu Caves showcase the country’s religious heritage. Further afield, Malacca, with its Dutch colonial architecture, and Johor Bahru’s remarkable Islamic monuments embody Malaysia’s diverse cultural landscape.

Our recommended tour – Borneo’s Orangutans & Rainforest Adventure

Thailand

Though the contestants may not be travelling across Thailand in this series, there’s no denying the country ranks among the most diverse spots in Southeast Asia. In the lively national capital, Bangkok, travellers can find a treasure chest of sacred statues, royal palaces, and neon-lit neighbourhoods, making it the perfect starting point for a Southeast Asian adventure. Highlights include the Royal Island, with its Grand Palace and intricate Emerald Buddha statue, while the city’s sprawling street markets are great for a taste of traditional local fare.

Beyond Bangkok, Thailand is home to some of Southeast Asia’s finest beaches, and the capital offers easy access to a number of nearby options, from laid-back Bang Saen to the lively beach resort of Pattaya. Where Thailand comes into its own, though, is in its charming rural settlements, and Bangkok’s central location makes it a convenient base from which to explore. Damnoen Saduak, only a short distance to the west of the Thai capital, is a particular highlight and is home to a unique floating market, which is one of the oldest and largest in the country.

Our recommended tour – Follow the Mekong – Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

Indonesia

Holidays to Indonesia offer a remarkable range of activities, making it a great choice for those who have had their wanderlust inspired by the celebrities’ journey across Southeast Asia. On Java, the country’s most populous island, you’ll have natural wonders, colonial hill towns, and urban hubs within easy reach. Venture out to see mighty Mt Bromo at sunrise, take a becak tour as the sun sets over Yogyakarta’s busy public squares, or discover Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple. This is a destination that rewards those who explore in greater depth, and an escorted tour allows you to do just that.

The discoveries don’t end there, and with a crossing to Bali, you’ll see a different side to life in Indonesia. Here, spirituality and natural beauty take centre stage, and you could be walking with fireflies, learning how to cook local delicacies, and watching a traditional Balinese dance within 24 hours. Ubud, the cultural heart of the island, makes a great base and offers fascinating insight into the Hindu heritage that underpins this part of the world. For an even greater range of experiences, animal enthusiasts can continue their holiday with an extended stay near untamed Komodo Island.

Our recommended tour – Indonesia – Java, Bali & Beyond

Australia

Trips to Australia reward those who delve deeper than the usual tourist hotspots, and it’s not just the country’s arid Outback landscapes that’ll stick in your memory. Colourful urban centres line the coasts, from Queensland to South Australia, while vast mountain landscapes, heritage railways, and some of the world’s most acclaimed wine regions cover the spaces in between. Though most of Australia’s seaside cities are worth visiting, Sydney, the delightful capital of New South Wales, offers the ideal base to explore the country’s east coast attractions.

From here, a short flight north takes you to Cairns, the gateway to many of Queensland’s natural wonders, to see the marvellous Great Barrier Reef and the world’s oldest tropical rainforest, Daintree. In Sydney itself, there’s a seamless patchwork of colonial and modern landmarks, from Sydney Harbour to The Rocks, Australia’s oldest European settlement. The city is also backed by the vast Blue Mountains, and with a short drive west, visitors can soak up an entirely different type of Australian landscape. Whether you’re keen for a city break with a difference or a nature-focused getaway, Sydney has variety in abundance.

Our recommended tour – Australia Uncovered

New Zealand

This year’s Race Across the World might end in Melbourne, but that’s not to say you can’t carry on past the finish line with an escape to idyllic Aotearoa. Few destinations around the world hold as rich a variety of highlights as New Zealand, and the North and South Islands offer completely different experiences. North Island, for instance, is the country’s Māori heartland, and several extraordinary heritage sites stand side-by-side with a handful of Oceania’s cosmopolitan centres. To the south, expect to see unspoilt natural wonders sharing space with historic European-inspired cities.

Given the islands’ relatively small size, it’s possible to take in multiple unique experiences in a single trip. On the North Island, you could explore Auckland’s famous waterfront one day and learn about the foundation of modern New Zealand at Waitangi Treaty Grounds the next. The south is no different, and travellers can find themselves soaring above grand Mt Cook by helicopter, then watching the sun set over elegant Dunedin, the ‘Edinburgh of the South’, a day later. If you appreciate an itinerary packed with numerous once-in-a-lifetime sights, New Zealand could be just the place for you.

Our recommended tour – New Zealand Odyssey – North to South Islands

Secure your own wish-list adventure with Newmarket Holidays

Ready to follow in the celebrities’ footsteps? Our escorted itineraries across Southeast Asia and Oceania have been carefully curated to give you an in-depth introduction to each country’s distinctive character. For more information on our featured tours or to start planning your own dream getaway, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today. If you’d prefer a break closer to home, we have a wide range of escorted tours across Europe, Africa, and beyond, and you can browse them all on our dedicated destinations page.