Top 8 Bucketlist Destinations

BUCKET LIST

One thing for sure, the past year has been an eye opener that has brought a mountain of changes to everyone's lives. We have been forced to rethink all we know and to adapt new habits that we did not even know was possible to do. On top of the fact that wearing face attire has quickly become a fashion trend, our movements have been severely restricted making any opportunity to travel away from home if even for a short blocks feel like a luxury holiday. Suddenly, the nature parks and the local attractions in our neighborhood are seeing more action than they can handle especially during the holiday periods.

As the days turn into weeks and the weeks turn into months, we watched as time quickly went by and now a year has passed. It has now become clear that this pandemic and the changes it brings will be here with us for quite a while. The important thing is to learn to live with the changes and to follow the protocols in place in order to quickly get back to normal life as we knew it before. 

If you are like me you are hoping for the day to come when we can safely go back to traveling again. The will and the desire to travel is like a pent up emotion waiting to burst free! You can't wait to get the chance to break out your Bucket List of places that you have been waiting to travel to. 

Everyone has a bucket list! For some of us we have already put it down on paper or for others its just a list of thoughts in our head of all the places we dream of visiting and experiencing.

If you are still on the fence about where you would like to go next, or if you have your list but are curious about what to do, here is a List of my 8 top destinations that are worthy of a trip of a lifetime. These destinations are a mix of magical white sand beaches, sun-kissed landscapes, captivating architecture, rich and vibrant cultures, packed with tons of activities and nature to explore. 

So get your vaccine and contact your travel advisor today. Let's get excited about travel again!

1. BALI

This diamond shaped Indonesian island is known for its yoga and meditative retreats. It boasts forested volcanic mountains, endless rice terraces, beautiful beaches with breathtaking views and coral reefs. Bali is iconic for its warm, gentle and friendly people and rich cultural traditions. Whether you fancy shopping for one of a kind antique and art pieces, taking a hike or cycling through the forest, or sampling the real traditional Balinese food from one of the street side stalls called "warungs", this island is surely a vacation paradise. Rejuvenate and recapture your zen. Recommended 5 days stay

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Bali

2. DUBAI

Dubai has quickly undergone a series of rapid transformation to take it from humble beginnings of a pearl-diving center to what it is today. Among other things, Dubai has excelled in tourism to become a shopper's paradise and a haven for tourists showcasing the most modern and haut technology in infrastructure and architecture. You will find the world's tallest skyscrapers which house elegant shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, nightclubs and attractions, the tallest being the famous Burj Khalifa which stands at over 2,700 feet! Dubai is a great blend of cultures of the east and the west and it is quite fascinating to the millions of travelers wanting to experience the Arabian traditions while being pampered with the modernity of the western world. A must do for 3 or 4 days.

Photo courtesy of  Bayut.com

3. GREECE

Greece is located in southeastern Europe with thousand of islands in the Aegean and Ionian seas. Called the cradle of western civilization the capital Athens still retains most of the ruins of the glory days of the 5th century B.C with renowned UNESCO world heritage sites such as the Acropolis citadel and the Parthenon temple. While the capital city Athens is known for the historic temples and architecture, the coastline of Greece which features a myriad of islands dotted around makes for some of the most impressive, breathtaking views in the world. Popular vacation spots such as Mykonos, noted for its crystal blue sea and white washed, blue capped buildings comes to mind; and it has now become a thing on everyone's bucket list to be photographed in Santorini. If you didn't know about the "Santorini Flying Dress" do you even know how to vacation? A Greek vacation is always sure to please. To island hop can become quite costly and you will need at least 6 to 8 days.

Photo courtesy of Sky of Thira

4. KENYA

Located in east Africa Kenya's coastline is on the Indian Ocean. It borders countries such as Uganda, Tanzania, Somalia, Ethiopia and South Sudan. Noted for its scenic landscapes and vast wild life preserves Kenya is home to wildlife such as lions, elephants, buffalos and rhinos. Kenya is renowned for the Masai Mara Reserve which sites the yearly spectacle of the annual wild beast migrations - one of the best locations to view the Big 5 and a one of a kind captivating experience. The capital city Nairobi is cosmopolitan, modern and a lively mix of urban African life. It provides a good blend of activities for the business traveler as well as the vacationer. Whether it is shopping for traditional beads and hand made crafts in the Masai village markets or trying out some of the local cuisine (roasted meats "Nyama Choma") or Kenyan coffee you will find your stay full of adventure and surprises. Typical stay of 3 to 5 days recommended.

Photo Courtesy of Friendly Planet

5. PERU

Located on the western end of South America, Peru has a population of 32.5 million people. The capital of the country is Lima which is a historically preserved center of colonial architecture located on the Pacific Coast of the country.  Peru is home to a section of the Amazon rainforest and of course one of the most famous preservation of ancient Incan civilization high in the Andes mountain - Machu Picchu. Every year hundreds of thousands of people make the trip to view and photograph this majestic preservation of physical history. The nearby city of Cusco is among the many rich in history and full of archaeological sites. A visit to this destination is steeped in adventure with visits to the over 5000 archaeological sites, national parks and reserves. If you are a lover of adventure and nature this is an ideal bucket list destination for you. You will find no shortage of excitement whether you explore the majestic landscape of Peru by train, hiking, trekking, biking, camping, canoeing or any of the myriad of ways to have outdoor fun. Typical itinerary runs 6 to 8 days.

Photo courtesy of getyourguide.com

6.  TURKEY

It is worthy to note that this middle eastern country holds the unique position of being split between two continents. It straddles the southeastern end of Europe and western tip of Asia.  Although the capital city is Ankara, most visitors flock to Istanbul, a city which is a conundrum of rich colors, flavors, movement, traditions and culture which shows the stark differences between the European and Asian influences in its unique architecture literally from one street to the next. Visit the beautiful Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia. Take a dip in the Hot Thermal Springs in Pamukkale, and if you are game to wake up very early morning then take the drive out to the storybook town of Cappadocia for a magical lift in a hot air balloon. Not to miss is the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar with aisles of beautiful smells and sights. Throw your diet out the window as you sample succulent meat kebabs and sweet Turkish desserts made from dried fruits and nuts and washed down with herb teas or coffee. Ideal 4 to 5 days.

  

Photo courtesy of Giorgio Rusconi

7. VIETNAM

Vietnam, the land of the blue dragon as it is called is a country full of old world traditions and natural wonders located in south east Asia. The capital city Hanoi is located to the north of the country and is filled with small alleys and fascinating colonial architecture. You can hike through the mist covered valleys of Sapa or view the limestone karsts in Ha Long Bay. Vietnam is filled with beautiful beaches, rivers and Buddhist pagodas. The imperial city of  Hue in the center of the country provides even more spectacular experiences as a cruise on the Perfume River  gives you an up close view of the ancient riverside towns, rice paddies and more beautiful architecture. To the south of the country lies the bustling Ho Chi Minh city (formerly known as Saigon). This city is a blend of modern, western infrastructure with the history of the Vietnam war  and the French colonial days. Enjoy foods such as the delicious "Bahn Mi" sandwich or a bowl of traditional rice noodle soup - "pho". A typical immersive itinerary runs 8 days.

Photo courtesy of SvietTravel.com 

8. COSTA RICA

This Central American country has long since been a favorite for adventure travelers and eco tourists. It has the advantage of sharing coastlines along the Caribbean Sea as well as the Pacific Ocean which offers visitors the option to experience the rugged rainforest and volcanic topography as well as beautiful warm beaches and tropical flora and fauna. Typical wildlife includes spider monkeys, the sloth and colorful quetzal birds. Although the capital city is San Jose, there are other popularly visited regions such as Guanacaste, Punta Arenas, Liberia with tons of activities and things to do. From hot springs and mud baths to ziplines, aerial walkways and cable cars, hiking trails, climbing, white water rafting, biking, horseback riding whatever you desire it is all here. Visit the many national parks and volcano in Arenal and Monteverde and get rejuvenated being at one with nature. Recommended minimum 5 days stay.

Photo courtesy of Essential Costa Rica 

"Travel is the only thing that makes your richer"
"Once a year go some place you have never been before"

"Your moments of happiness will become treasured memories for a lifetime "

To learn more about these or other destinations or to request a custom or group Itinerary please email: natasha.james@cruiseplanners.com or Telephone: 954-453-7310. 

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