Traveling is good for the mind, body, and soul and should be experienced as often as possible. Visiting other places, meeting new people and learning about other cultures adds to the experience. It opens up the mind to become inspired for whatever comes next in life. Each of the following destinations does offer that inspiration for those who are open to it.
1. The Northern Lights
is a sight everyone should see at least once in their lifetime. One of the best places to see them is in Norway during the winter which can last until the month of March. Take a cruise aboard the Hurtigruten cruise ship along the magnificent coast that’s lined with fjords. Onboard the ship, they give the guests a wake-up call when the lights appear giving them time to get on deck. The lights are green when they first appear. As the lights move across the sky, they join with beautiful red lights.
2. Tyrol, Austria
is one of the most gorgeous places in the world and is fantastic for skiing in the winter and hiking during the rest of the year. Skiing at Lech-Zürs and the Arlberg at St Anton is an extraordinary experience. Hiking through the mountains, rivers, hillsides, and woods is awe inspiring. A visit to Innsbruck is where the cable car takes the guests up to the mountain for snowboarding or biking.
3. Cape Town, South Africa’s
crowning glory is Table Mountain. Tourist can hike to the top or take a cable car to enjoy the stunning panoramic view. The V&A Waterfront features elegant hotels, exquisite restaurants, and classy nightclubs. There are water sports, hot air balloons, helicopter safaris, and so much more on offer to anyone who visits. Cape Town is close to the Winelands that are well worth a visit.
4. Machu Picchu, Peru,
a World Heritage property, spreads along the slopes and peaks of the mountains and down into the valleys. At its heart is the La Ciudadela (The Citadel) which is a spectacular monument of an archeological feat. During the 15th-Century, the Incas constructed a stone city without using any mortar, and it sits at 8,200 feet (2,500m) in the Andes. It’s the most amazing creation in the entire Inca Empire with terraces, giant walls, and ramps that look as if they are made by nature. The ruins encompass the eastern slopes of the Peruvian Andes and the upper basin of the Amazon. It’s in the center of the mountains tropical forest with a rich variety of flora and fauna. The Spanish conquistadores never found it because of its remoteness.
5. The islands of Santorini, Greece
surround the only active volcano whose center/crater is in the Mediterranean Sea. The beaches of Santorini are black, white or red sand or volcanic pebbles, and there are striking lunar landscapes and incredible rock formations. There aren’t many places where people can enjoy the refreshing clear waters while sitting on the rim of an active volcano right in the middle of the Med. Santorini is a Greek fantasy with its steep alleyways leading to the old harbors, white-washed houses and fish dinners served at the local tavernas.
6. Outer Hebrides, Scotland
are islands surrounded by lovely white sandy beaches and crystal clear water. There’s a vast array pf marine wildlife with dolphins, whales, sharks, and porpoises swimming year round. There are trails for bikers on the islands and kitesurfing over Barra beach. The Outer Hebrides are all interconnected, and the best way to travel between them is on the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry. Enjoy the tranquility of the islands where each one has its distinctive way of life and visitors are welcome to their traditional hospitality.
7. Molokai, Hawaii,
is also known as the “Friendly Island.” The Aloha spirit flourishes here because it’s the real Hawaii. It offers its rain forests, beachside cliffs, tropical gardens, and deserted beaches to its visitors. It’s peaceful, slow and relaxed and is like stepping back in time. There is not one traffic light on Molokai as there’s very little traffic. There’s no mall, not a single elevator, and no neon lights and it’s like no other place. There’s a beautiful scenic drive through the Halawa Valley. Take a mule ride to Kalaupapa National Historical Park along some of the highest sea cliffs in the entire world.
8. Iceland
It took several years for tourists to discover the attraction of Iceland and now it’s close to the number one destination. Visiting in the summer is best because it does get very cold in the other seasons. During these warm months, the sun shines every day and every night – 24/7. When taking a road trip it doesn’t matter what direction one is traveling, they are guaranteed to see lots of rocks, horses, waterfalls, glaciers, fields of flowers, and mountains. In the national parks of Vatnajökull and Snæfellsnes, there’s snowmobiling and hiking, and everyone needs to try the hot springs.
9. Zambezi River
Rafting in the Zambezi River is the thrill of a lifetime. This river divides the countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia right after the Victoria Falls. The river thunders 100m over Victoria Falls where it forms giant misty clouds that glisten in the sun. Then it squeezes right through the narrow gorge for at least 120km, and then it boils into the largest sequence of rapids (Grade V) in the world. After going through the rapids, the rafts move slowly down the river to view the wildlife. There are usually elephants, giraffes, and hippos along the banks enjoying the water. As the afternoon comes to an end, the custom in Africa is to drink a “sundowner”. This is a cocktail to toast the beautiful African sunset.
10. Mexico City
For people who enjoy what a big city has to offer, this capital city needs to be on the list. Mexico City features everything a traveler could ask for with its different cultures, history, art, museums, cuisine, and nightlife. There the National Museum of Anthropology, the Zócalo, Chapultepec Park, Templo Mayor and the Great Pyramid of Tenochtitlán, Metropolitan Cathedral, and Chapultepec Castle. There’s tons of street food, a gigantic marketplace, fine dining, and beautiful hotels. It’s a city that is well worth taking the time to explore.
