As a tribute to carefree traveling, I’ve been listing my most memorable travel experiences so far. You can read part 1, part 2, part 3 , part 4 and part 5 in the previous posts.
Without further ado, here are, in no particular order, the last 15 most memorable travel experiences:
15. Shopping and eating in indigenous markets in Ecuador
For a major “market fan” like me, the Ecuadorian indigenous markets were a special treat. They’re loud and bustling with people from various Andean tribes gathering to buy and sell all kinds of goods. Handicrafts, textile, produce, livestock and everything in between. Beside the shopping possibilities, these markets offer the visitor a great opportunity to sample the local staples.
14. Working as a butcher in Muscat, Oman
Ummmm… Sometimes pictures say more than words.
13. Spending a few nights in a refugee camp
Dheisheh Refugee Camp
We spent a few nights in a refugee camp during our visit to Palestine. Unlike in the other refugee camps I’ve seen over the years, the refugees here had cement housing instead of tents which reminded us of how long the situation has been going on. Travel is not just about the pretty sights and the adventurous bus rides, it’s also about trying to understand the world.
12. Hanging out in the meadows of the desolate Solovetsky Islands in Russia
I loved everything about my stay on the small island group in northern Russia; the desolation, the scenery, the midnight sun… Click on th title to read what struck me in Russia
11. Party, beach and sunshine on Isla Margarita, Venezuela
Isla Margarita… Yes, it is as exotic and fun as it sounds! An absolute tourist mecca but entertaining nonetheless. Being only 20 years old, I felt proud to have flown to South America on my own dime and I was eager to party!
10. Climbing holy mount Agung at night to see the sunrise
Our group of 5 were the only people climbing the volcano that night. The hike was so long and strenuous, I cried on the way down. Cried. Like a baby. But as with everything in the world of travel, the toughest experiences are the ones you remember and cherish the most.
9. Walking through the cobbled streets of Berat, Albania
Albania is now on my list of favourite destinations. Partly thanks to the lovely town of Berat where I spent hours on end strolling through the cobbled streets. Click on the title to read why I love Berat.
8. Venturing solo through East-Timor
East-Timor was quite tough to travel in, but I truly loved being there. I was thrilled to be traveling solo in one of the most difficult countries to travel through. I fell for its ruggedness and its authenticity. Click one the title to read more about my thoughts on Timor-Leste.
Reading on the East Timorese beach…
7. Watching the sky fill up with hot air balloons in Cappadocia
I traveled to Turkey on a tight budget so taking a ride in the hot air balloon was not an option for me. However, watching hundreds of balloons soar through the morning sky with a new friend was one of the highlights of my trip. Click on the title to read more about traveling to Cappadocia on a budget.
6. New Year’s eve in Rantepao, Sulawesi
Spending NYE in one of the capital towns of Sulawesi, Indonesia was pure madness, to say the very least. With everyone -including 4-year-olds- randomly shooting off fireworks everywhere, it seemed like we had landed in a ‘post apocalyptic war zone’. Think explosions, smoke, loud music, hundreds of scooters racing around… Words, pictures or video’s couldn’t possibly convey what it was like. A real life Indonesian version of ‘Mad Max’, perhaps..
5. Me-time on the pebbled beach of Sveti Stefan in Montenegro
Montenegro was one of the best travel surprises. I found a deserted beach on Sveti Stefan, where I feasted on my picnic, bathed in the cool water and caught some rays while listening to music! Click on the title to read about my visit to Kotor and surroundings
4. Integrating in the Congolese village life
This one, I’ve been doing every so often while visiting family in DRC. I switch up my Western clothes for local wear and get involved in the daily village life.
3. Meeting sea gypsies in Borneo
Just off the island of Sabah, there are small settlements of “sea gypsies” living on their own terms, not necessarily by choice but by obligation as they are refugees and have no legal documents to enter Malaysia. Meeting these people and learning about their life on the sea left a deep impression on me, one I hope to share with you on this blog one day.
2. Watching the sun go down on African “booze cruises”
Imagine gazing at this view while floating on a small boat. A tropical breeze stroking your sunkissed cheecks, slightly hazed from the cool beers; all you can think about is how incredibly beautiful mother nature is…
1. Meeting incredible people and making friendships along the way
You may only spend a few days with new friends made on the road, but sometimes those few days or hours are enough for a lifelong connection and a treasure chest full of lasting memories!
Though the list goes on, the experiences listed here are the ones I cherish most. You may have noticed that for me, it’s not about the tourist attractions nor is it about the payed activities. To me, it’s about getting out of your comfort zone, embracing the “out of the ordinary”. I hope you enjoyed tagging along memory lane!
If you’ve missed it, read up on part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4 and part 5.
What’s one of your most memorable travel experiences?
The post “100 Essential Travel Experiences, Part VI” first appeared on Travel Cake.
6 comments
Hi your blog really inspired me to push more on my travel fantasies…i am a solo traveller but have been in 5 countries only 🙁 hope i can travel more like you–just want to ask what camera are u using…your pictures are right to the heart. Thank you!!
Hi Angie! It’s really not about the numbers, the important thing is that you’re interested and willing to chase your travel goals/dreams. We all started with one country! 🙂 Take your time, it took me over ten years, no rush! I’m using a DSLR Canon T2i (it’s the EOS 550D if you’re in Europe). I’ve recently upgraded the kit lens to a Sigma 17-50. But most of the pictures on the blog were taken with the old lens which is the standard one that came with the camera. Bon voyage!
So if the numbering goes from #100 to #1, then the conclusion is: life is about booze and people!
🙂
LOL! Notice I wrote they were ordered randomly! 😀