In our view, it's not so much about the funds, although obviously you need them, but more about the acute awareness that life is short, and won't always be fun, so you should grab your opportunities for enjoyment wherever and whenever you can. Here are my top ideas for pushing the boat out when you can travel again...
1. Charter a barge on the Canal du Midi
A leisurely journey with your favourite people through the French countryside on a European Waterways barge enjoying the very best food and wine, cycling along the towpath and visiting the pretty towns and villages, whilst someone else takes care of everything, is a perfect escape.
2. Take the top suite on Regent's newest ship
The Regent Suite on board Seven Seas Splendor is 4,000 square feet of stylish and elegant space atop this lovely ship, with huge balconies for spectacular ocean views, an in-suite spa and lavish space for living and dining. (But to be honest, any of the accommodation on Splendor would do!)
3. Dinner with polar bears
Take advantage of 24-hour daylight and wrap up warm to combine dining with polar bear spotting at The Grill on Silver Cloud. Lava stone cooking at your table gives you meat, fish or vegetables cooked to perfection, whilst the views as you cruise the Arctic fjords of Svalbard are unforgettable.
4. Tailor-make your shore excursions with Seabourn
Splash out on Seabourn's Bespoke Collection for every port of call on your chosen cruise. Private cars, drivers and guides are the basis of your experience, and you work with Seabourn to ensure that every tour meets your definition of perfection, from great culinary journeys to exclusive cultural visits, from mindful living to exhilarating adventure.
5. See Antarctica from the air
Make your extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime visit to Antarctica on Scenic Eclipse even better with a helicopter excursion high above the ice for a unique perspective on a breathtaking destination. With outstanding visibility from the large wrap-around windscreen and wide windows, you will have incredible views of the magnificent scenery and wildlife.
6. Discover underwater worlds
Explore beneath the waves on Seabourn Venture's custom-built state-of-the-art submarines, in the company of expert naturalists from the expedition team. Whether you are searching out vivid reef walls in the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, or towering underwater ice cliffs in Antarctica, this experience will be something you'll never forget.
7. Discover the wildlife of Africa
See the most amazing wildlife when you travel with AmaWaterways in Africa, and make it supremely special by adding an extension to Rwanda for the unimagineable beauty of Volcanoes National Park, where you can go trekking in search of rare mountain gorillas and golden monkeys.
8. Charter a yacht
Celebrate missed birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and more with the ultimate party on a SeaDream yacht - yours for a week exploring the secret Caribbean islands of the Grenadines, or following the ancients along the trade routes of the Mediterranean. Just you and 111 of your dearest family and friends.
