At times I’ve wondered if there’s something slightly strange about my insatiable need for international adventures. It’s not only your typical travel adventures I crave – the cafés of Paris, or the palm trees of the Caribbean – but more off-the-beaten path places too, like Iran, or the Wakhan Corridor of Afghanistan.
People hear that and usually think I’m a little crazy.
But then I’ll read something that resonates so soundly with my wandering nature that I breathe a sigh of relief: it’s not just me. Most recently, that came in the form of Nina Sovich’s memoir, ‘To The Moon and Timbuktu’, which follows her solo journey through Morocco, Western Sahara, Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, and Niger.
“Our experiences shape us, and if we do not go out and get new ones we will stay static.” Like Nina, I can’t imagine staying static for too long. There are few places on the planet I wouldn’t like to experience. I’ve never fancied, say, Greenland, but hand me a book on the country and I’ll probably fall in love with it from afar, as I do with most destinations.
Currently, I’m craving adventures and the creation of suitcase stories in these five far-flung locations…
Cuba
One Saturday afternoon, when I was about 15 years old, I read an article about Cuba in the Independent’s Traveller magazine. There was history, culture, cocktails, dancing, and those famous colours on every street. I soaked up every word and image, and never looked back: Cuba has been at the top of my travel to-do list ever since.
Jordan
At university, I spent a lot of time studying Middle Eastern politics and history (and even a semester learning Arabic in the evenings) so this region has a particular pull for me. Jordan has the bustling modernity of Amman, the open desert of Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and that historic highlight, the carved stone city of Petra, which Rough Guides describes as “one of the world’s must-see attractions.”
Tourists to the region tend to head for the pyramids of Egypt or the beaches of Tel Aviv, but Jordan’s off-the-beaten-track appeal is just one more reason why visiting this often overlooked country is up there as one of my top trips to take.
Tanzania & Zanzibar
Having recently visited Kenya, East Africa is now under my skin and calling my name. I definitely want to return to Kenya (sooner rather than later) but a trip to its next door neighbour Tanzania is a tantalising prospect. From safaris in the Serengeti to exploring the stunning Spice Islands, there seems to be no end of adventures to be had here, and I’m ready to experience them all.
Spain
Spain is the first foreign foray for many British holidaymakers, yet I still haven’t stepped foot on Spanish soil. A good friend of mine currently lives in Madrid, and I’ve been keeping an eye on flight prices for the past few months – I’m dying to explore the city with her, not to mention enjoy a long overdue catch-up. Then there’s Seville, Ronda, Granada, not to mention tapas, paella, and sangria… Spain, I need to see you soon!
India
The mountains of Kashmir, the hustle of Mumbai, the beaches of Goa, the tropics and tea plantations of Kerala: India looks absolutely incredible. It’s a country so geographically and culturally diverse that some compare it to a continent.
India is also home to another good friend of mine who I haven’t seen in far too long, so with friendship added to everything this country has to offer, India is definitely a dream destination.
It was quite difficult to pick just five places (I could have easily stretched to 15, or 50), but these are definitely some of my dream destinations at the moment!
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Jordan is an absolute treat as a destination; the sights and the people. Great list – good luck!
Thanks Aradhana! It looks amazing – hopefully I’m able to visit in the not-to-distant future!
Jordan is definitely on my list too. I’ve visited the pyramids in Egypt, which were amazing. I’m sure Jordan will be even better. Good choice with India. I’ve been to Goa – it was such an incredible experience.
San Francisco is the top one on my list. I have a trip planned for December and I can’t wait! Other dream trips include Japan, Canada and Greece at the minute, though my list is ever growing and changing! I hope you get to visit your destinations soon.
I’m the same as you, Taylor. These are my dream destinations at the moment, but the list is always growing and changing (although Cuba has been top of the list for a while now). I loved San Francisco, it’s such a fun, laid-back city – I’ll look forward to reading about your Californian adventures when the time comes!
Great list! I spent six weeks in Spain in my early 20s and it’s fantastic; Andalusia (Seville, Granada, Cordoba) is one of my favorite places (art, music, architecture). Ronda is spectacular and I enjoyed Madrid and Barcelona; Ibiza disappointed. I am eager to see Menorca and Mallorca and possibly some of the north.
Jordan has long been on my list as well; I visited Tanzania (and Kenya) in my 20s and love the experience of safari; Ngorongoro crater is simply unforgettable.
My list includes Morocco, Croatia, (esp. Hvar), Greece, Argentina and perhaps some of the South Sea Islands; I did research into an island called Mangareva (try to find it on the map!) and have longer to go there ever since. In the States, I want to see Montana, Wyoming and/or Idaho — and do a camping on horseback trip (a la Brokeback Mountain, which was actually filmed in Alberta!) I love SF but also want to explore Marin County and north…I spent a day exploring it and was stunned by the beauty.
So many places to see!
I’ve just looked up Mangareva… it looks stunning! Definitely a place where you could ‘get away from it all!’ Aside from a day at the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, I haven’t seen much of the States outside of the big cities, so I’d love to visit somewhere like Montana or Wyoming and see a different side to the country. You’re right – there are so many places to see!
This article is great and has totally fuelled our wanderlust! We love every destination you’ve picked and the My LBB girls are now fighting over which is the dreamiest: it’s a close call between Zanzibar and Jordan, and we’re also very keen on visiting the steps to the sea in Ithaca, Greece. With so much of the world to explore, no wonder – like you – we’re indecisive! To help, we’ve put together a holiday guide grouping destinations by personality:
http://www.mylittl
eblackbook.co.uk/personality-perfect-vacation-guide.html. Maybe it will help you, too, decide on that ultimate adventure.
I loved seeing Jordan on your list, we’ve recently moved to Dubai and Jordan and India are both high on our list as must-visit places while we live here. I also did a year abroad in Spain, Melilla to be exact, but loved Madrid & Seville. Look forward to reading more of your blog!
A move to Dubai – that sounds exciting! And definitely a lot closer to some of my wishlist spots (like Jordan!) than Scotland is 🙂 Looking forward to following your ‘Wedventure’ adventures!
Yes, Spain is a must if you still have not had a chance to visit it. Cuba is on my list too!
The sun setting on the Sahara desert, wh in le sitting on a camel, a memory I will never forget!
That sounds like an incredible experience, Norma!