28 Apr My Top 10 Travel Experiences
People often ask me to name my favorite country, or my favorite vacation. But I can’t. I tell them that asking me to do this is like having me choose between ice cream and chocolate. I like both. I’m going to eat both. So instead of telling you about my top travel experience, I’m going to share my top ten thus far (while enjoying a bowl of ice cream topped with chocolate sauce).
#1: Hiking the Inca Trail
I mean really, do I need to provide a caption or explanation for why this is number one? Look at this. And the picture doesn’t even do it justice. It was four days and three nights of hiking at high altitude, sleeping in tents, and seeing world wonders. It was challenging but oh-so-rewarding. I went through a company called Enigma and would highly recommend.
#2: Exploring the Angkor Temples
I always loved Indiana Jones when I was a kid. I loved the idea of exploring something for the first time and feeling like I was discovering important historical artifacts. So this is why the Angkor complex in Siem Reap, Cambodia was a traveling highlight. The decaying, crumbling towers full of incredible statues and scripture is breathtaking, especially set in Cambodia.
#3: Taking a Jeep tour through Bolivia’s Salt Flats
Three days and two nights of riding through desert, past lagoons dotted with flamingoes, cacti over fifteen feet high, and stretches of salt as far as the eye can see. Traveling in Bolivia, especially around Uyuni was otherworldly.
#4: Walking on the Great Wall of China
When I was little my favorite movie was “Big Bird Goes to China.” I must have watched it over thirty times (sorry, Mom and Dad) and became obsessed with the idea of digging a hole and winding up on the other side of the world. While I never dug a hole deep enough, I did get there, and now I’m living in the country. I will likely go again before I leave. (Post edit: I did go again, and this time I went camping on the Great Wall of China!)
#5: Hiking a Glacier in Patagonia
Patagonia in general was an amazing trip. I spent a month traveling from Santiago, Chile through the lake districts and down to El Calafate, before returning to civilization in Buenos Aires. A highlight was definitely putting on some spikes and hiking up and down a glacier. Oh, and being rewarded with a glass of Bailey’s on “the rocks.”
#6: Taking a Cruise Around Halong Bay
I think I paid something like $70 to sleep a night on a junk boat, in my own room, with a view of the sea and limestone mountains. And it included meals and a kayak outing. There’s a reason Halong Bay in Vietnam is high on many traveler’s bucket lists.
#7: Strolling Through the Bamboo Forest in Japan
I could make a whole list of my top experiences in Japan alone. The country is rich with culture, temples, and amazing food. But the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto is nothing short of magical. This might actually be my favorite photo of all time.
#8: Diving the Great Barrier Reef
This was a recent trip of mine, and I loved everything about Australia (except the price tag). But getting my scuba license, and diving the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns was something else. And now that I’m certified, I look forward to a whole other world of traveling. For more information, see my post here.
#9: Dancing (and watching) Tango in Buenos Aires
For me, Buenos Aires has the same romantic appeal that Paris does for most. I actually rented an apartment in San Telmo for a week and enjoyed the city like a local, with mutual local friends. I ate dinner at 10pm, drank wine at sidewalk cafes, and danced until sunrise. But my favorite part was watching the tango shows in the squares of the San Telmo neighborhood, especially on Sunday during the market.
#10: Living Like a Monk in Korea
When I lived in Seoul, my friends and I often took weekend trips outside the city with Meetup.com. One of my favorites was experiencing a temple stay. It was two days and one night of experiencing life as the monks do, from waking at dawn and being silent, to participating in moonlight meditation walks. Definitely an experience worth having!
I love to hear from my readers! What’s your number one experience? What should I add next to my ever-growing list?
Michelle | Lights Camera Travel
Posted at 06:03h, 28 AprilThese are ALL on my bucket list and the only one I’ve done is Hiking the Great Wall which was spectacular. All these all your own images? They are incredible!
I highly recommend diving Sipadan in Borneo, Malaysia. I dived all over Asia and this was by far the best and every bit worth the money!
admin_jennifer
Posted at 06:07h, 28 AprilYes, Michelle, they are all my own images 🙂 And thank you! Also, thanks for the recommendation. It’s now on the list!
Marie @ Marie Away
Posted at 20:00h, 28 AprilAwesome! I’ve hit a few of these and hoping to cross off a few more in South America this year! Loving the photos 🙂 The bamboo forest looks unreal, something I’ve never thought about experiencing–but I certainly am now!
admin_jennifer
Posted at 00:13h, 29 AprilMarie, South America is so amazing. And so is that bamboo forest! Make sure to add it to your list 🙂 xo
Eden
Posted at 02:04h, 29 AprilYou’ve basically ticked off many of the travel experiences on my bucket list. Would LOVE to be able to do these someday. I went to Korea last year, but unfortunately only had time to explore the main cities, need to go back and see more 🙂
http://www.mintnotion.com
admin_jennifer
Posted at 02:06h, 29 AprilKorea is so amazing. I need to make it back to Seoul while I’m so close. xo
Samantha
Posted at 02:16h, 29 AprilTurkeynis next on our list and we’re SO excitied!
admin_jennifer
Posted at 02:23h, 29 AprilYou should be! Are you moving there? I think I’m heading there in January 🙂
Samantha
Posted at 02:44h, 29 AprilYeah we’ll be living there for two years 🙂
Carina
Posted at 09:05h, 29 AprilSo many items here are on my bucket list! I’d love to visit ang kor war and JAPAN, and bolivia, omg.
I’ll be going to vietnam in august and definitely have to find a way to see cruise through halong bay!
X, Carina
Running White Horses | Fashion + Travel
admin_jennifer
Posted at 02:04h, 30 AprilGreat, Carina! YOu will LOVE Vietnam 🙂 xo
Lizzie
Posted at 11:25h, 29 AprilWow, all of these look like incredible experiences! I’d particularly love to hike a glacier in Patagonia… It’s been on my list for a while 🙂
admin_jennifer
Posted at 02:05h, 30 AprilThanks, Lizzie! They were. And, yes, make sure to make it to Patagonia! I went in December and it was fantastic. xo
Justine
Posted at 03:24h, 30 AprilYou’ve definitely had some amazing travel experiences! I’ve only done two of these — cruising through Halong Bay and exploring the Angkor temples. But I am dying to go to Bolivia and see those salt flats. That’s number one on my travel wish list right now!!
admin_jennifer
Posted at 04:21h, 30 AprilYou will LOVE Bolivia and the salt flats. The whole 3 days was unbelievable–like exploring a different planet! 🙂
Maja
Posted at 20:25h, 03 Maytravel experiences are priceless 🙂
Maireem
Posted at 03:50h, 06 MayThis is incredible! You are so lucky to have gone to all these places 🙂
http://www.maireem.blogspot.com
admin_jennifer
Posted at 04:02h, 06 MayThanks, Maireem! I feel very fortunate, indeed 🙂
Kathryn
Posted at 07:30h, 06 MayThis is a great list! I just came back from Vietnam and I wish I was able to visit Halong Bay 🙁 I will have to return. Your experiences sounds amazing.
admin_jennifer
Posted at 07:32h, 06 MayThanks, Kathryn! Vietnam is so massive, it’s hard to pack everything in. I was there for a month and still had trouble! 😉
Kelly | Endlessly Exploring
Posted at 10:56h, 08 MayAmazing list Jennifer! Hiking glaciers in Patagonia looks absolutely incredible – so breathtakingly beautiful! Would love to do that one day! 🙂 x
admin_jennifer
Posted at 12:12h, 08 MayThanks, Kelly! I appreciate you reading. I love your blog 🙂
Diana Maria
Posted at 02:27h, 11 MayI am so jealous of your travel experiences! I really want to hike the Inca trail, I think I might do that next summer if all works out. You’ve made me want to do so much more travelling, this was such an inspiring read!
http://mylovelierdays.com
admin_jennifer
Posted at 02:29h, 11 MayAwww thanks, Diana! This is the best compliment, and is why I do what I do 🙂 DEFINITELY do the Inca trail, but make sure to reserve about 5 months in advance. I really recommend the company mentioned in the post! xo
Grace Blake
Posted at 13:26h, 26 MayI love this list! I can’t wait to get to Peru one day!!
http://www.australianabroad.com
admin_jennifer
Posted at 00:15h, 27 MayThanks for the comment! Definitely plan on Peru–it’s magical! 🙂
Maddy
Posted at 20:31h, 09 JuneYep, these are ALL amazing. I can see why it’s impossible to just choose one! Hiking the glaciers in Patagonia is definitely on my to-do list! Beautiful photos too, by the way! 🙂
http://www.travelalphas.com
admin_jennifer
Posted at 00:19h, 11 JuneThanks, Maddy! I’m going to check out your blog. xo
Karen Nicolai
Posted at 20:30h, 28 JuneLove your Blogs Jen! Your M&D keep us up on your adventures. Wish I had traveled this much when I was younger. Our family is headed to Iceland for 10 days! Whitewater rafting near the Arctic Circle and many other fantastic adventures.
admin_jennifer
Posted at 23:10h, 28 JuneThat’s great, Karen! Thanks so much for reading. I definitely feel fortunate 🙂
Brandon Collins
Posted at 07:01h, 08 JulyI ABSOLUTELY ADORE Japan! That photo of the bamboo forest really catapults me back to my journey through it and all the Torii Gates. Just stumbled upon your blog and I really enjoy your writing. Maybe we’ll cross paths sometime. Cheers
http://www.bcollinstattourism.com
admin_jennifer
Posted at 12:33h, 08 JulyThanks for the compliment and for reading, Brandon. Japan also holds a very special place in my heart. Thanks for reading! 🙂
Teffy
Posted at 18:00h, 15 JulyI also loved the trail to Machu Picchu and the salt flats, and the tango in Buenos Aires is definitely so breathtaking!! I love diving, so the Great Barrier Reef was definitely one of my favourites as well, though it doesn’t top diving off a small Island called Fernando de Noronha in Brasil, where a school of wild dolphins came and started swimming around and over us. It was honestly one of the most magical experiences of my life!
The experience with the monks sounds so incredibly special, that is definitely something I’d love to try! X
admin_jennifer
Posted at 22:30h, 15 JulyThanks for reading, Teffy! I’ve heard amazing things about Fernando de Noronha in Brasil, and your experience is nothing short of phenomenal. Hope to make it there some day. xo
Madi @ The Restless Worker
Posted at 19:21h, 06 NovemberYou have done some pretty amazing things! I would absolutely love to hike the inca trail, walk the Great Wall of China, or well – anything that you’ve done on this list. Your blog layout is really nice as well!
admin_jennifer
Posted at 00:29h, 08 NovemberThanks so much, Madi! 🙂
Cez of eTramping
Posted at 02:13h, 16 FebruaryHalong Bay looks spectacular! What a list you have here.
admin_jennifer
Posted at 04:40h, 16 FebruaryThanks! Halong Bay was spectacular. Unfortunately, I’ve heard that it’s changed quite a bit since I went (around 6 years ago)…