TRAVEL DESTINATIONS ETCHED IN MY HEAD
So you know what? I’ve been travelling the globe now for over ten years and you can’t rack up all those air miles without having some knock out destinations that you just can’t get out of your head! I’m talking about those places that just touch you culturally, physically, emotionally and you somehow leave a little part of you there when you unwillingly boarding that flight back home! Cue this months travel-link up and my excuse (not that I usually need one) to spill the beans on those destinations that still almost bring tears to my eyes and are ingrained in my head and etched in my heart forever! Here goes wanderlusters…
CUSCO, PERU
To many this is the gateway to the great Incan Citadel of Machu Picchu and the Inca trail but to me it is my favourite city in South America (I’ve had quite the love affair with it) that I’ve visited to date. Cusco is the capital city of the Incas and sits almost 14,000 feet above sea level and even though I was hit by a stroke of altitude sickness, the ancient Incan architecture, the mystery of a city set amongst the beautiful Andes range and the local hospitality and coca tea made it so incredibly hard to say goodbye.
BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Dr C and I embarked on a round the world adventure a couple of years back and we spent a week over Christmas in a dream paradise location, you know I’m talking about Bora Bora, one of the French Polynesian Islands. Our secluded over water villa was located on the uber secluded private Motu, known as Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island resort. Traditionally French Polynesian, we spent days not bumping into a sole, with Breakfast arriving by canoe, marine life at your feet and endless views of the Pacific Ocean set against the lush green vegetation and picture perfect sunset views of Mount Otemanu
SIEM REAP, CAMBODIA
Waking up at dawn and seeing the sun rise over the world’s largest religious monument, known as Angor Wat, is really something incomprehensible, that is until you have seen it. The site measures 402 acres and was originally made to be the temple of the God Vishnu, which the Khmer Empire later transformed to a Buddhist temple. The architectural detail, the banyan trees, the vastness and the atmosphere are no wonder that this place is a haven for devotion. It’s no wonder the movie, Tomb Raider was filmed in the complex at the stunning Ta Phrom, also renamed as the ‘Angelina Jolie Temple.’
FLORENCE, TUSCANY
Since my first visit to the renaissance capital of the world, over 20 years ago, when I was wide eyed and learning Italian, I have longed to return. Dr C finally gave into my constant desire to return and in 2017 we visited together to experience the art, culture, cuisine and rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside. Infact, Dr C now has a mutual love for Florence (Read more here of on our trip) and the surrounding Tuscan countryside that we are returning later in the year. Clearly, I will never get this place out of my head!
Photo Courtesy: Flytpgrapher Alberto in Florence
OSA PENINSULA, COSTA RICA
Located in South West Costa Rica, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Golfo Dulce, lies the Osa Peninsula. Largely covered by rainforest and the most ecologically diverse place in the whole of Costa Rica. We spent a few days in a very remote rainforest lodge where we explored waterfalls, isolated lagoons, tree top canopies and beaches and woke up to the rare sound and sights of Toucans, Parrots and Pumas to mention a few!
HAVANA, CUBA
December 2017, was memorable because not only did I celebrate a milestone birthday but I also spent it in a City I have wanderlusted about for years, Havana! From the classic cars, to the Mojitos, to the Private Paladares dining and the people, oh the real Havana, this is a city break with a difference! Experiencing the Latino vibes and being transported back into the era of the 1950s was something that literally cannot leave my head. Havana for me was every bit as authentic as I thought it would be and brings music to my ears, just as Camilla Cabello sang, ooh na-na, my heart is in Havana!
QUEENSTOWN, SOUTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND
Voted as one of the adventure activity capital’s of the world, this adrenaline junkie will never be able to forget her adventures here nor will the feeling of total euphoria ever be as great in her head as it was in Queenstown. Canyon Shots, the Skyline Luge, A skydive over Lake Wakitipu and an exhilarating jet boat ride at Shotover, I don’t think any other place will ever even come close to the physical excitement I felt in Queenstown. All this with the beautiful backdrop of the Remarkables mountain range and the stunning Lake Wakitipu.
What destinations are etched in your head?
I hope you enjoyed the read of my travel destinations that I just can’t get out of my head. Have you been to any of these and do you have the same feeling about them? Feel free to spark up a conversation in the comments below!
À Bientôt…
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Ngaire Ackerley
I’ve got to agree with all of these! Few of the spots I’ve been to – particularly South/Central America, tricky to pick favourites because they all have their own beauty don’t they? I definitely dream about one day getting to Bora Bora though, that just sings relaxation! Lovely photos too!
Bejal
Ngaire AckerleyOh Yes I definitely agree, South America is a difficult one as each country is very unique although they are located so close by to each other. Bora Bora is probably on everyones bucket list but when you make it there I’m sure you’ll be blown away! Thanks so much for stopping by!
Cristina - Memories of the Pacific
I love traveling so much, all those photos make me day dream! I’d love to visit South America (I’ve only been to Brazil) and Cambodia. The two countries that I’ve been obsessed with since I was a child are the US and Australia. I’ve been to both of them and they didn’t disappoint, both have a special place in my heart.
Bejal
Cristina – Memories of the PacificCristina, thanks for commenting. Brazil and Cambodia are just simply out of this world right?! Just so much culture all around. I’ve done a lot of work trips to the US but I did spend some time in Australia on my round the world trip (East coast mainly) and I totally get how it holds a special place in your heart. Simply stunning!
Binny
These are all so so so dreamy! Bora Bora is my ultimate dream destination as is Costa Rica – I really hope I get to go one day. LOVED this post and such stunning photos too
Bejal
BinnyAwww Bora Bora is always The One right! And I’m sure your love of wildlife will take you to Costa Rica one day! Thanks for your lovely comments!
thetravelsofmrsb
So many great destinations! Bora Bora sounds like paradise! Must have been so magical!
Bejal
thetravelsofmrsbBora Bora most definitely is THAT once in a lifetime destination and it’s just simply breathtaking as you fly over the island when you arrive and see it surrounded by coral and lush Palms.
Angie Silver (@SilverSpoonLDN)
I would just love to visit Cusco!! I went to Bora Bora on honeymoon, isn’t it amazing!
Bejal
Angie Silver (@SilverSpoonLDN)I think you would really love Cusco and especially the Monasterio Hotel, which is so perfectly situated in the city. Bora Bora is simply stunning, words just aren’t enough to describe its beauty!
Sarah
These places would be etched in my head too… especially Bora Bora. How beautiful!
Bejal
SarahThanks Sarah! Yes, it’s all about Bora Bora. It’s most definitely THE ONE!
GlutenFreeHorizons
I’ve ticked off Florence – gorgeous city! I’d love to visit Bora Bora and Cuba!
Francesca x
http://www.glutenfreehorizons.com
Bejal
GlutenFreeHorizonsHi Francesca and thanks for stopping by and commenting. Florence is my absolute favourite and I’m visiting again in September but Bora Bora, well what can I say….
Bruna Bersch
Some destinations seems to just have a special spot within us! From these, I’ve only been to Angkor Wat and is definitively impossible to forget such magnificence.
– https://www.brunabersch.com/
Bejal
Bruna BerschI absolutely agree Bruna! AngKor Wat is so so special right? Especially when you see that lovely sunrise behind the intricate carvings.
Ladies What Travel (@LadiesWTravel)
Wow, I love your panoramic pic of Cusco! I’ve not visited S America at all yet, but want to one day. I really want to learn some basic spanish first though…
Bejal
Ladies What Travel (@LadiesWTravel)Ah thankyou, Cusco is just so special and unique! Yes being able to converse will be great for any South America travel as some of the most beautiful places are remote and therefore English is limited!
Em x
Lovely read, you’ve been to some amazing places. Peru & Cuba are on my list for 2019 x
Bejal
Em xThanks Em! Yes they are two of my favourites and you will absolutely have a great time. Feel free to ask if you need any advice for planning etc. x