2012 Tour of a Lifetime

National Geographic Tours of a Lifetime are culled from thousands of tours worldwide, these are an antidote to the average—all offered by outfitters with solid reputations in the industry. They offer a short but deep dive into far-flung cultures and transformative experiences. We looked for tours (including volunteer, adventure, family, and small-ship trips) designed for experience, immersion, sustainability, and cultural connection. The winner: Middle Fork of the Salmon Rafting