Did you know?
An average Britisher has visited seven countries outside of the UK in his or her life.
And 86% of Indian households never take a trip.
And by that standard, I am considered a globetrotter in my circle and by my readers. However, when I started putting down my travel stories in Tripadvisor and rating places I was visiting, I realized that I had travelled only 10% of the world.
Like any typical Indian tourist, my travel journey started by covering Asia first and only then did I think of going beyond.
Somewhere in between my thirst for travel grew larger, the exposure became better and I became a traveller who looked beyond destination travelling, marking selfies at tourist spots and started digging for experiences.
In this post, I have jotted down bits of my travel journey. These are the places where I have created many memories which I am going to cherish for life. Two things I would like to reiterate here is; always be on guard if travelling solo, research and pick up safe places for women and always buy overseas travel insurance. You never know when you might need it. Travel to explore and if these things are sorted most stress is left behind.
I travelled to Nepal last year to trek to the Everest Base Camp which had been on my bucket list forever. I trekked for fourteen days and most of my beautiful memories are of the stunning landscapes of Labouche and Gorakshep (small settlements that you cross on the trip) and, of course, of the sister mountains Everest, Nuptse, and Lhotse. I did a little bit of sightseeing in Kathmandu also but, unsurprisingly, the trek was the more stunning part of my trip. You can read here to know all about the trek and my experience.
JAPAN
Japan is one of the best places I have ever visited and is closest to my heart. Some of the experiences which one can have in Japan are soaking in the healing waters at an Onsen, learn about their Japanese culture during the tea ceremony dressed in a Kimono, fill your taste buds by having matcha flavoured ice creams, cakes, noodles and so much more. You can try the Ramen bowls there and visit their maid cafes! Who says Japan can be expensive? Live at the pod hotels, also known as capsule hotels, to handle your budget. How can we forget Mt. Fuji, it is just too beautiful! Just make sure you plan your trip to Japan during the Cherry Blossom Season. There are many other places to visit when in Japan, so ensure you plan well and make your trip a memorable one because Japan is beautiful!
At the southernmost tip of the continent
Capetown is a place full of scenic beauty, beautiful atmosphere and good people. When at Capetown you can look for sightseeing at the following places among others: Aquila Safari, The Table mountain, Cape of Good Hope, Robben Island, and Stellenbosch. You can also take a visit to the Simonstown and greet the Penguins and the Seals there. You can also opt for some water sports activities so as to get closer to them (Keynote: Penguins are cute from far and dangerous from nearby). It’s a beautiful place to explore with the sea, mountain, wineries and city life all enrolled in one. This place will leave you content with a bunch of memories.
EUROPE
Paris: Ever since I was a little girl, I always wanted to visit the fashion capital of the world. When I did get to Paris last year with my family, Paris turned out to be way more than the stories of romance, Eiffel tower, and fashion make it. It is a modern city that has history embedded in every corner and, trust me, it’s nothing short of a paradise!
This one needs no Introduction
Amsterdam: Can be rated as one of the friendliest cities in Europe. There is a certain vibe in the city that is very infectious. Visiting Anne Frank’s house in the city, and just walking around the city square was one of my favourite experiences. I found the Red light area walking tour also very interesting. The kids enjoyed Ripley’s Believe It or Not A Museum, Keukenhoff, Microbes museum and evening cruise in the canal soaking in the Amsterdam lights and views.
The Famous Amsterdam Redlight Area
Berlin: I was very impressed with the city and the food. Berlin is one of the most reasonably priced cities in Europe. Unlike what I had heard, the Germans were friendly and helpful folks. You walk through history while walking past any street in Berlin and the pages turn back. You go through the city experiencing the reign and terror of Hitler. It’s odd seeing his Chancellory quarters and his bunker site, which is not even marked as Germans want to forget him. There are memorials of millions who died because of him all over the city. Jewish Synagogue, the post office, memorials, Holocaust all give you goosebumps. You can also enter a real bunker which was built to be used in case of a nuclear attack and still stands intact, unused.
At the Hello Charlie point
Singapore makes for a perfect family getaway. Places to visit when in Singapore include the Singapore Zoo, Sentosa Island, Universal Studios, Gardens by the bay and many more. This city is a complete package deal as it is close to India, has adventurous spots along with a buzzing city life!
The Universal Studios, Singapore
The city of seven lakes surrounded by picturesque mountains, Hong Kong is also a bustling cosmopolitan. Laden with many theme parks and Disneyland, it makes for a perfect family outing. You can take the Historical tram to the top from where you can glance at the whole Hong Kong. Then there is Macau, which is known for gaming and its casinos, but there are some other things as well which you can opt for at Macau like House of Dancing waters, Dream works experience, Macau Towers and so much more.
Disneyland at HongKong
When in Malaysia, the places you can visit there are Langkawi, Genting Highlands, Batu Caves, Legolands etc! Malaysia is all about beautiful beaches, water sports, and scenic beauty so just go there and relax!
The Berjaya Resort, Langkawi
It is an island full of tropical plants and beautiful beaches. I also celebrated my last birthday there. If you love beaches and water sports, then this place is absolutely perfect for you.
Enjoying the water sports at Mauritius
I have always been a beach person but after visiting Iceland I have turned into a mountain person as well. When in Iceland, you can opt for trekking the way I did, or else you can go for exploring this beautiful place through the amazing experiences like getting into a glacier, Whale watching, watch Natural Geysers, Experience Geothermal spa, visit the Black Sand Beach etc. Do visit Iceland once in your life, it is worth it!
Trekking in Iceland
A paradise for all the ones who love clubbing, drinking and gambling at the casinos. But No, that’s not the only thing Vegas is meant for. You should also visit the Grand Canyon, The ‘O’ Show, one can book any speed cars and Limo’s if you wish to. You could get this within 100$! There are many other spots to visit when in Vegas, wishing to go back there soon someday so as to take those places off my bucket list!
Grand Canyon Trip from Las Vegas
SAN FRANCISO
I visited SF in 2016 and I can’t get the sight of the Golden Gate Bridge out of my memories. While it’s red and not Golden, it is magnanimous and just stunning. Most people with families choose to stay in the suburbs due to the affordability of larger housing. I loved shopping in SF as it’s full of deals and since this was my first visit to the US, I had no idea that the stuff you can buy in the US is cheaper than any part of the world that I have been too. Especially loved the outlet malls for branded clothing, bags and sunglasses.
In a tram near the Golden Gate Bridge
New York feels like my home city as it is just like Mumbai! Well, this was a very short trip but I almost covered all the places which were on my list: the Brooklyn Bridge, the Empire State building, the Central Park, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the Statue of liberty and the Times Square. I hope to go back someday and spend some more time there.
The Times Square
The sand dunes and tall buildings with the luxurious lifestyle are the best parts of Dubai. It has some really good spots to visit like The Palms and the Jumeirah road where you can find five to seven-star hotels and the best collection of cars. Then there is the Dubai Mall, Emirates Mall, Gold Souk, breathtaking monuments like Burj Khalifa, Skyscrapers, and even beaches. The desert safari that you experience in Dubai made even my parents jump in their seats in excitement!
Abu Dhabi is a place which will give you a breathtaking as well as a soothing experience. Soothing because of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, a visit there will let you attain serenity and its architecture will win your heart! The Ferrari World at Abu Dhabi is one of the best-themed parks in the world which will make your hearts go Vroom! There are many other spots to visit when at Abu Dhabi so do visit and make your trip a fabulous one! I personally found a lot more character in Abu Dhabi than Dubai.
Dubai Mall
THAILAND – BANGKOK
We visited Bangkok when my younger one was just 1.5 years old and Bangkok is like any other Indian city in its looks, the shopping is amazing. Their food is definitely something I look for wherever I travel. Even though we had such a small kid with us, we never felt tired or drained out because the people there just love kids. They offer to play with them while you get a massage or even babysit them while you are having food at a restaurant. So yes, found the city very kid friendly.
THERE IS ANOTHER PAGE WITH MORE OF MY TRAVEL STORIES. YOU DIDN’T THINK I TRAVELLED ONLY HERE DID YOU? CLICK ON THE ARROW TO READ MORE!!
On my trip to Sweden, three things that pleasantly surprised me were; I can handle the cold, Swedish folks are well-experienced in English and super friendly and, lastly women in Sweden are paid to sit at home and take care of their babies (So awesome). Three totally unrelated facts but all relating to me. This was an epic adventure trip for me viewing the Northern lights, dog sledging in the dark and snowmobile biking. I discovered my love for adventure in this trip.
Snowmobiling in Kiruna
A tale of two cities. London has been known for some instantly recognizable landmarks and amazing spots it houses like Madame Tussaud’s, London Eye, London Aquarium, Buckingham Palace and so much more. I am a person who loves to explore and since London was done with kids I saw myself visiting the National Science Museum, the zoo, the Royal Observatory, Planetarium and Maritime Museum at Greenwich, British Museum, and Bath. London is also known as the place of art and culture so make sure you visit the local streets there!
MALDIVES
The Maldives is not a city but a beautiful set of islands, where each island has been converted into a resort. I went there many years ago, in fact, it was my first international trip so it rates very high in my memory. The virgin sand beaches, blue skies, and crystal clear water with corals and marine life can make you feel out of the world. If you are heading to the Maldives, I would suggest think it as a honeymoon destination and book water stilt huts. It’s an experience no other place can match.
The water villas in the Maldives
SRI LANKA
This was also a part of my first international trip to the Maldives as this is a stopover if you have to go to the Maldives. We stayed in Colombo for two nights and the best part of this place is its shopping. There are many export outlets and you can look for deals here. Also, the Indian currency value is double here so you enjoy shopping even more.
One of the malls in Srilanka
realized while I feel I travel a lot, the world is such a huge place. But I am in no hurry as I enjoy experiencing the place than just putting a tick. Penning this post took me down the memory lane. Hope you have enjoyed reading this post as much as I have loved writing it. Cheers to more happy travels and more exploring!!
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