Travel Bucket List: Part 1

One of my daunting and time consuming tasks as a travel advisor these days is to stay current with the latest protocols and procedures Covid continues to bestow on the travel world. Whether it be travel advisories,border bans or openings (Bahamas and DR), flight restrictions, countries testing and surges in this ever shifting environment, I will have answers when the time is right for you.  And whatever your personal comfort level and time frame is for future travel, How Far Adventures is here to help.  In the meantime…I want to ask you, what is in your bucket? Your wildest travel dream bucket.

No rules, no regulations, just the true wonder of the destinations you’ve longed to see and check off your life list.

A few honorable mentions that I consider worthy and wonderful to have experienced and love sharing with clients.

*Driving The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia.

*Hiking the lemon vineyards with shaky legs through Cinque Terre, Italy

*Diving the Blue Hole in Belize

*Relishing a curated Food and Wine Tour in Napa, California

But these over the top, show-stopping spots are still chilling on ice for me…

Blue Lagoon, Iceland

Iceland is quickly becoming a favorite family destination. Adventures by Disney offers an eight night itinerary that explores this vibrant Nordic country’s majestic waterfalls and stunning volcanoes.  A highlight is a stay at Icelandair Hotel Reykjavik Marina that borders the saltwater oasis of the Blue Lagoon. the world’s largest geothermal pool. I may be deluding myself to think all my troubles would melt away here but it’s worth a try!  The water is completely renewed every 40 hours and maintains a glorious 100 degrees. Go to find spiritual serenity floating above the steam, rejuvenate your skin and soul, and throw in some extra time for a spa treatment or massage. Peace my people. Peace.

4 people enjoy soaking in the steamy waters of a natural bath

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

You think America has rich history riddled with successes and strife? Angkor Wat is one of the most important archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. It is a UNESCO-protected location and contains the remains of the different capitals of the Khmer Empire, including the Temple of Angkor Wat and Bayon Temple. This is an eye-opening historical landmark that still stands for good reason! I love Asia. And Vietnam and Cambodia are high on my curiosity list. The rural villages, colorful markets and peaceful monasteries, the highs and lows of their rich history. The AmaWaterways river crusie- Riches of the Mekong ending in Chi Minh City is on my family’s wish. A slow, traditional, transformative journey that opens my eyes to another culture’s world along their shores.

Ubud in Bali, Indonesia

It was the bestseller Eat, Pray, Love that put Bali on my radar and musician Michael Franti and my love for yoga that turned on the homing device. There are17,500 islands in the Indonesian archipelago and Bali’s cultural heart is UBUD. Nearby Yoga Barn, Tegenungan Waterfall, Campuhan Ridge Walk, Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave), iconic rice terraces and artisan villages can all be explored within this cultural hub. And bordering on the hillside, is the  pioneer in luxury, Amandari (peaceful spirits)  The resort is designed after a traditional Balinese village, with sweeping views of the Ayung Valley’s lush slopes on extravagant grounds. The thatched roofs on the free-standing guest suites with tranquil terraces and outdoor bathtubs offer solace after asanas.

Yoga and Balinese Trivia: Do you know what makes a great warrior? Patience.

Casablanca County and Patagonia

South America is just so idyllic to me as it is my least explored. At first I was going to say Machu Pichu, Peru tops the chart. It certainly is on the list. But something about Chilean wineries and the land of the wandering soul draws me to a place where I could truly disappear into the enormousness of physical space, desolate quiet and the kids could run wild and be who they were made to be. The name Patagonia alone conjures images of gorgeous peaks, hikes along intoxicating electric blue lakes, and the miles and miles of unpopulated expanse away from the social media discord and in God’s glorious creation gives it notoriety on the bucket list. The best Patagonia experience combines the Argentinean and Chilean sides and a stay at the one and only Singular Patagonia!!

Torres del paine,patagonia,chile,torres,del - free image from ...

Bora Bora, French Polynesia

A picture is worth a thousand words. And if I had a dime for how often I dream along with clients wanting to escape to this luxe destination and stay in an over the water bungalow, I’d be running to the coin counter.  It is another sandy spit that calls my name and so many others! Rightfully so it is one of the most beautiful places in the world. But paradise has it’s share of pain too. The Kingdom of Bora Bora and its history is part of the drawl. The majestic Mount Otemanu in Bora Bora and the lagoon of a “sunken volcano” in Rangiroa, paired with some of  the best marine life around hits the magnific mark on all levels.  Conrad Bora Bora Nui is a blissful and luxurious retreat located in a private cove with those  stunning bungalows that sprinkle the sparkling turquoise sea.  With access to the resorts private island, it is truly a tropical playground for everyone; and for my visiting families, there is a kids club, babysitting services and other family-friendly amenities. And every night an unobstructed sunset view. If you can dream it, we can build it.

 

Please contact us at How Far Adventures if you want to talk or dream about your Life List for Travel!