It’s been exactly 10 years today since my first independent trip. By “independent” I mean a trip not organised or sponsored by parents, school or other organisations… I started traveling on my own dime in my own time.
I was 19 when a friend and I booked a ticket to Zimbabwe, a country we knew almost nothing about. Feeling all kinds of cool, we embarked on an adventure that would shape the people we’d become. We spent one month in Zimbabwe having the trip of a lifetime, spontaneous and crazy. Upon my return home I had coffee with a friend curious about the journey. I told her in detail how incredibly exciting it had been. Followed by: “I want to travel all the time. I want be a globetrotter!”
“When can you start calling yourself a globetrotter?” she asked. I had no idea, but set the bar at ‘having been to one third of the world or 64 countries’.
In the ten years that followed I never really kept this goal in mind and my definition of a globetrotter has significantly changed since then. I wouldn’t define it through an amount of visited countries, but that’s another discussion. Anyway, before I knew it, I had become a globetrotter according to my -outdated- definition.
With all these destinations on my travel resumé, I’m often asked which one is my favourite. It’s a hard question! Not per se because I love all the places equally but because so many have deeply touched me, one way or another.
While I was stuck on an 8-hour bus ride last week, I started pondering the question more seriously. Is it really impossible to pick a favourite? Yes, it is. However, I have managed to narrow down the list to a top 12. I was aiming for 10 but…
So in no Particular order
1. Oman
I loved everything about Oman. Taking a road trip through the country introduced me to the genuinely warm and friendly people, the tasty food, interesting wildlife, the stunning landscapes featuring all my favourite colours… With the risk of sounding cliché, Oman truly is a hidden gem.
2. Shops, drinks and midnight snacks in Shoreditch, London
I’ve starred London as a favourite a long time ago but discovering the neighbourhood of Shoreditch has taken London to the next level for me. It’s the London that pushes you out of your comfort zone, inspires and yet feels comfortable and homely.
3. Motorbiking Ubud and surroundings, Bali
This probably doesn’t come as a shocker seeing I chose to live here for a year. The spiritual atmosphere, the lush green surroundings, the smell of incense filling the air and the sweet Balinese people. This island is just… Magic
4. Backpacking through Zimbabwe
As I mentioned above it was my first trip. It wasn’t so much the attractions that made this one of my favourite destinations, it was more a general feeling of well-being. Drinking a beer under the African sun with some of the world’s most impressive waterfalls in the background while making lasting friendships with locals and expats.
5. Cruising through Lake Connemara and surroundings, Ireland
The Irish country in general, is incredibly beautiful. I can see why it has been an inspiration for quite some songs, literature and poetry. In fact, you could possibly say that the Irish countryside is poetry.
6. Living the island life in Zanzibar
I’ve had to wait 15 years to go to Zanzibar and when I finally did, it was even more jaw-dropping than expected. The water is of the bluest blue, the earth is red, spices are abundant and there is always a freshly caught fish grilling on some coals. You can feel the mystic that comes with the historic crossroads of cultures.
7. Morocco
Every time I go to Morocco I’m amazed at how much I love the country. Why amazed? Because it can be quite tantalising at times. The touts in the touristy cities like Marrakech, constant bargaining, scams… Yet I can’t help but adore this country and I gladly accept its flaws.
8. Venturing out into Timor-Leste
It was such an out of the blue destination on which I couldn’t find much information online. I had no expectations whatsoever, perhaps that is why I was so pleasantly surprised. Beside the gorgeous scenery it was the big unknown and the sense of adventure that made this place special to me. Timor-Leste offers a challenge to the seasoned traveller.
9. Hiking Dominica
Rugged and unknown- I’m starting to see a pattern here- Dominica has the ideal reggae/Caribbean island vibe. My entire stay there I felt like an old-school explorer, minus the compass. It’s the only island in the caribbean that has no white sand beaches which is why it’s often overlooked by package and cruise tourists leaving it unspoilt.
10. The old city of Jerusalem, Israel
Israel is a generally a great tourist destination but the old city of Jerusalem… That place vibrates. You feel and see emotion wherever you look. You can breathe history, touch spirituality, smell culture, taste tradition. The old town of Jerusalem is a truly unique place.
11. Dancing to dirty reggeaton beats in Venezuela
Less than an hour after exiting the airport of Caracas, I told the friend I was visiting: “This is it. I belong in this country”. We laughed, but I wasn’t joking. Venezuela has it all: the beaches, the rain forests, the deserts, the mountains, the party cities. It has attitude, it has style. The only thing lacking is a decent government to help the country grow to its full potential.
12. Bhaktapur, Nepal
Besides the fact that practically the entire city is made of wood and full of temples, it was the general “zen-atmosphere” I might have enjoyed most in Bhaktapur. I’d wake up every morning to the sound of prayers and gentle bells followed by the smell of freshly brewed tea. Enchanting! Also, it’s where you can find the best curd in the world!
I may be a globetrotter in the eyes of my 19 year-old self but in the eyes of the woman I am today, I still have a long way to go.
I just couldn’t resist to list some honourable mentions: Copenhagen, Cuba, the forests of Washington State, Singapore, Amsterdam, The Sinai (Egypt), Lake Bunyonyi (Uganda) and New York City.
What are your 5 favourite destinations?
The post “12 Favourite Destinations” first appeared on Travel Cake.
Comments
28 responses to “12 Favourite Destinations”
It is hard to pick a favorite with so many beautiful and exciting places around the world! I loved reading your favorites, and you have gotten me interested in Oman, a country I had not yet thought to visit.
Katie
Thanks Katie! That’s great, I’m happy to have helped Oman score some points. 🙂
I’ve got to say, you’ve got me interested in Oman too.. how beautiful does the picture look?! Just stunning.
Thanks Adam!
Very interesting post and I’m up for the challenge, though 5 would probably be too limiting a number but let’s try. So in no particular order (as you said, each gave something different not any more or less valuable) here it is:
1. Backroads and jungle tracks of Angkor Temples, Cambodia by bicycle at sunset or sunrise. Because there’s nothing more satisfying than (re)discovering the spectacular ancient temple ruins swallowed by the jungle while successfully dodging tourist coaches.
2. Central Bali around Ubud and beyond, especially the small roads through rice terraces and deep lush ravines up the volcanic slopes. Because this is where you truly FEEL like it’s the “Island of the Gods”. I’ve never seen a place where keeping things beautiful was so much a part of daily spiritual routine.
3. Anywhere high up in the Nepali Himalaya. Ubud may be the yoga and spirituality industry central but up here in Himalayas you are truly humbled and made aware of your own insignificance by the grandeur and almost unearthly beauty of the surrounding landscape.
4. Ashram in India (Kerala for me but might be just as great of a place elsewhere for others). Because it is here that one can really challenge inner self and practice open-mindness while getting a six-pack.
5. Diving in Malaysian Borneo and Northern Sulawesi, Indonesia (I know it’s 2 locations but it’s the same body of water – aka Celebes Sea). Because if I had a choice between being a creature of sea, land or sky, i’d definitely pick the sea. With 71% of Earth’s surface covered by water, you haven’t really seen the planet until you’ve dove under. Amazing!
Thanks for making me give this a good thought.
Cheers!
P.S. I’m looking forward to the post where you define your new adult-woman version of a ‘globetrotter’. 🙂
Lol, I’m already thinking about it. Not an easy task at all!
I love this list!I totally get what you mean with point 5. two destinations but the same body of water, LOL! Thanks to you the ashram has moved up on my wish list! These favourites are a great way of exchanging travel ideas! Thanks for that!
Love this post, some very special destinations on this list! I can definitely relate to Bhaktapur, Morocco and Ubud. Shoreditch is happening this December, can’t wait to explore this neighborhood. And Oman is on my wish list too 🙂 My five favorite destinations would be: the Himalayas (loved Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet), Inle Lake in Myanmar, Bangkok, Kyoto and the Galapagos Islands. But I could easily name 15 other places that would also count as my favorites 🙂
Enjoy Shoreditch, I’m almost jealous! 🙂 I agree, the Himalayas and Inle are amazing! I’ve never been to Kyoto or the Galapagos, but I’d love to! I’m hoping 2015! 🙂
Very interesting about Oman, we’ve got one of our writer’s going there soon so I’ll be really interested to see what he thinks.
Yes, I’m looking forward to reading about that!
Sabalos in the South of Nicaragua is high on the list, that’s for sure… Including the while trip to get there and back. But an absolute favourite? That has to be Dogon Country in Mali I think…
To be honest, I had to look up some images of Dogon Country 🙂 Looks amazing, I can totally see that making it to a favourites list!
Beautiful destinations! I would love to see Oman, Zanzibar and Bali! 🙂
Yes, absolute dream destinations! Glad you liked the post!
Great list! My top 5 destinations are Rajasthan, Mumbai, Sikkim, Kerala and Melbourne. I like places that have charm and character.
From the destinations on your list, I’ve only been to Kerala and I loved it! It’s true, those places with charm and character are the ones that stick with you the longest. I would love to visit Sikkim; not only does it look amazing, it also has such an exclusiveness to it! *Dreams*
Your posts are always so inspiring because they remind me that I still have SO much of the world to see. I would love to visit Oman – the Wadi looks amazing. And I’d love to go to East Africa (well, all of Africa, actually). I’d love to just spend several months hopping from one country to the next. I’d have to say that my 5 fave destinations (in no particular order) are: 1) Istanbul, 2) Copenhagen, 3) Brazil, 4) Bermuda, 5) Jamaica, Jamaica! 😉 I always base my faves on the places that I wouldn’t mind returning to again and again. Great post!
Thanks Dana! I love your list: Brazil has been my dream destination for years and years, hopefully one day I get to add it on my favourites! Same for Jamaica!
Haven’t been to any of these countries you mention..wow! You are indeed a globe trotter..
I guess my favorites so far: Thailand, Malaysia, Kenya, Tanzania and Luxembourg; as well as Bosnia-Herzegovina…what would draw me back: great landscapes and coastlines!
Luxembourg? Interesting. You must be the first person I’ve heard mention it as a favourite! I’m heading to your blog to check out some Luxembourg stories. 😀
hahaha…I haven’t been in Luxembourg in ages! So as you can guess, haven’t written anything on it as yet..:-)
I first traveled to Luxembourg as a student on a study trip, and somewhat, it impressed me…
Now, I’ve been in Europe longer, so maybe I should re-visit Luxembourg for a new experience..:-)
Your blog is amazing. I love your photos and writing. Very resourceful and a beautiful to read. Thanks so much! Hugs from Canada! 🙂
Thanks so much Trish! What a great compliment! Hugs from Belgium! 🙂
You make a great list. Your pictures make me want to go to all these places. My travels are far less than yours, but here goes.
1. Dominican Republic – Amazingly diverse place. Most friendly people.
2. Malawi – Can’t beat the lake or the warmth of the people.
3. India – Many countries in one. Amazing place.
4. Puerto Rico – Infrastructure of the US. Fun of the Caribbean.
5. Venezuela – Has everything. Literally everything.
Totally agree with your choices and arguments for 3. and 5.! Would LOVE to check out Malawi and the Dominican Republic! You’ve surprised me with Puerto Rico *looking it up right now 😀 Fantastic list!