Off the Beaten Path Archives - Page 6 of 14

Top 10 Must-See National Parks in the UK

Undoubtedly, The UK’s National Parks are among its greatest treasures. From the dramatic peaks and valleys of the Lake District National Park to the world-famous Jurassic Coast, England and South Wales are full of stunning landscapes waiting to be explored.

But the Top 10 UK National Parks are not just about the landscape – they are also a haven for wildlife, with an incredible diversity of plants and animals to be found in each one.

So if you’re looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure while backpacking in the UK, or want to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, then make sure you visit one of these top 10 must-see National Parks in the UK.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is one of the best places in the UK to return to nature. With over six hundred miles of trails winding through the mountains and hills, it’s perfect for an exhilarating hike.

Mickledore views are highly recommended when hiking the Pembrokeshire Coast Path. The trail can be rough at times, but it is well worth the effort it takes. The Mickledore ridge is a pass-through mountain range with breathtaking views of wildlife everywhere.

Overall, it is one of the best national parks in the UK for an adventure visit.

The Cairngorms National Park

The Cairngorms National Park is a must-see for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. With majestic mountains, deep valleys, and pristine rivers, it’s easy to see why this is one of the top 10 National Parks in the UK.

There are plenty of opportunities to spot rare wildlife in the Cairngorms National Park. The area is home to red squirrels, reindeer, ospreys, and golden eagles, so keep your eyes peeled!

Many Munros – Scottish mountains over 3000 feet – also make for great hiking trails. Be sure to take on at least one of these when visiting the park!

Duncombe National Park

Duncombe National Park

Duncombe Park is one of the many beautiful national parks in the United Kingdom. It is known for its picturesque landscapes and lush vegetation. The park is also home to various wildlife, making it a perfect place for nature lovers to explore.

Since its establishment in 2020, Duncombe National Park has become a popular destination for hikers and campers. Many trails wind through the park, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

South Downs National Park

South Downs National Park is the newest park in the UK and is one of the best national parks near London. A short train ride will get you to the park. It is the best place to stargaze because of the large rolling hills that allow you to lay in peace without the lights from a city blinding the view.

Woolmer Forest, a lowland heath site, is home to many rare species and is the only place in the country with all twelve species of native reptiles and amphibians.

South Downs Way is a hiking and biking trail that is scenic beyond what you can see when driving. There is also a section of the park that has been turned into a battlefield site where you can learn about and experience what it was like to fight in the Battle of Hastings.

The Lake District National Park

The Lake District National Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. Its beautiful lakes, stunning mountains, and tranquil valleys make it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

But there are also plenty of activities to keep you busy, from hiking and climbing to water sports and mountain biking. And, of course, no visit to the Lake District National Park would be complete without taking a ride on a steam train!

Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park is a stunning area of natural beauty in Devon, England. With its ancient forests, wild moors, and tumbling rivers, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best National Parks in the UK.

There are plenty of things to do in Dartmoor National Park, from exploring the many hiking trails to visiting the historic sites. You can even go horse riding or camping in the park!

But one of the best things about Dartmoor National Park is the wildlife. With red deer, wild ponies, and rare birds, it’s a haven for nature lovers. (Do not forget to bring your camera, though)

The Peak District National Park

The Peak District – the UK’s most popular National Park

The Peak District National Park is one of the top 10 National Parks in the UK, and it’s easy to see why. Its stunning landscapes and incredible views make it the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

There are plenty of things to do in the Peak District National Park, from hiking and cycling to rock climbing and caving. You can even go horse riding or take a scenic drive through the park!

But the wildlife is one of the best things about the Peak District National Park. With red deer, badgers, foxes, and otters, it’s a haven for nature lovers.

Broads National Park

Broads National Park is a stunning park located in the UK that offers 125 miles of water to boat, swim or sail in. You can rent a boat for a day or use your own, making it the perfect place to spend a summer day.

Wildlife viewing is a huge part of this park, especially if you enjoy bird watching. As with every other national park, you can find miles of hiking or biking trails offering breathtaking views you cannot see from the main roads.

Exmoor National Park

Sunset at the Valley of Rocks viewpoint in Exmoor National Park

If you’re looking for a taste of the wild in the UK, head to Exmoor National Park. This sprawling area of unspoiled countryside covers over 400 square miles, making it one of the biggest and best national parks in England.

Exmoor is home to various landscapes, from woodlands and valleys to moors and hills. Wildlife is also abundant here, with red deer, Exmoor ponies, and otters calling the park home.

Northumberland National Park

Northumberland National Park

Northumberland National Park is located in the northeast of England and is one of the best national parks in the UK. The park is home to various landscapes, including forests, heathland, moorland, and coastline.

The park is also home to many castles, including Bamburgh Castle, Holy Island, and the Turf Knowe burial site.

If you are interested in exploring the UK’s national parks, then Northumberland National Park is one that you should not miss.

Exploring the UK’s National Parks – Final Thoughts

To ensure you have a great experience exploring the UK’s National Parks, be sure to get the AllTrails app before you go. The app has an extensive list of the best trails for hiking in the UK, with reviews from other hikers to keep you up to date on the latest trail conditions. You can filter by trail difficulty, length, and suitability and download trail maps to help keep you on track even when you’re offline.

10 Best UK National Parks for Wildlife and Unforgettable Hikes

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May 24, 2023

Hiking in Iceland during the Summer – 3 Breathtaking Hikes

Off the Beaten Path

Sometimes walking is the best way to get to know a new place. If you’re road-tripping across Europe and want to make the most of your time away, exploring each country on foot is a great way to make the best memories before you return – including the beautiful country of Iceland. This article covers everything you need to know about exploring Iceland on foot, including the country’s dramatic landscape, and some of the best hikes in Iceland in summer.

Visiting Iceland in Summer

With 24 hours of light in summer and the chance to see the Northern Lights in the Fall, Iceland is a Nordic island nation known for its dramatic landscape of hot springs, volcanos, geysers, and lava fields. It’s a must-do stop for anyone travelling across Europe, and while it’s possible to explore Iceland by car, walking tours offer the chance to truly take in Iceland’s breathtaking scenery. For avid hikers, the best time to visit Iceland is in the summer, when you won’t have to deal with frozen-over trails and you can take advantage of the long days.

Iceland’s Geology

The landscape of Iceland has been shaped by dramatic forces over the past 30 million years, including active plate tectonics, volcanoes, and glacial movement. However, since Iceland itself is less than 33 million years old, scientists still define it as a geologically young island!

Iceland is one of the only places in the world that has an exposed divergent plate boundary at the earth’s surface, and with 33 active volcanoes, the vast majority of the earth’s volcanic features can be seen on an island roughly the same size as Kentucky…

The Three Best Hikes in Iceland in the Summer

Iceland utterly changes when you explore it on foot. Only you and your fellow hikers will truly understand the landscapes of this beautiful island that are usually hidden beyond the highway and other tourist routes. Here are some of the best hikes in Iceland in the summer:

The Laugavegur Trek

Exploring the Landmannalaugar highlands on one of the best hikes in Iceland on the Laugavegur Trek

This is Iceland’s most famous hiking trail that leads intrepid explorers through black lava fields, colorful rhyolite mountains, black deserts and steaming hot springs – there’s a reason Laugavegur translates as the “Hot Spring Route” in English! The best time to visit the trail is during Iceland’s summer, when you won’t have to deal with frozen trails.

The Fimmvörduháls Trek

Thórsmörk, the grand finale of the Fimmvörduháls Trek

The Fimmvörduháls hike is Iceland’s second most famous hiking trail and leads you along the river up into the mountains, going through breathtaking waterfalls and a thrilling canyon that is up there with one of the best gorges in Iceland.

The Kjölur Route

The old-fashioned way of crossing the Icelandic highlands

Also known as Kjalvegur or the “Haunted Highway,” the Kjölur Trek leads between two glaciers into the very heart of the Icelandic Highlands. Going way back, people used horses to cross the Highlands, and ever since the Vikings first settled down in Iceland there has been a route connecting Northern Iceland, and the South. Compared to the other two routes mentioned, this hiking trek is known to be more challenging. However, with the right equipment and a good amount of hiking experience, it’s well worth doing. The best time to do this hike in Iceland is in the summer, to make sure you avoid thick snowfall.

The Best Hikes in Iceland – Final Thoughts

Don’t miss your chance to see some of Europe’s most beautiful scenery by embarking on one of the best hikes in Iceland during the summer. Iceland offers some of the most unforgettable landscapes, and by exploring the country on foot, you can discover some of this Nordic island’s most sensational hidden gems.

To ensure you have a great hiking experience in Iceland, be sure to get the AllTrails app before you go. The app has an extensive list of the best trails for hiking in Iceland, with reviews from other hikers to keep you up to date on the latest trail conditions. You can filter by trail difficulty, length, and suitability and download trail maps to help keep you on track even when you’re offline.

May 24, 2023

The Best Hikes in England

Off the Beaten Path

Rolling countryside at your fingertips, cliffs ascending and then descending into the crashing Atlantic Ocean and craggy moorland sprawling over the country’s interior make British nature well worth visiting – and it can all be explored with the best hikes in England!

While England isn’t world-famous for being a hiking destination, it deserves a lot more than it’s given credit for. Rolling countryside and moorland punctuate the country’s interior, and the coastline is linked up by a variety of easy and challenging routes.

If you’re keen to explore England on two feet, there are plenty of walking trails in the country. These are typically well-marked and organised, with suggested stops en route (with accommodation for multi-day hikes!).

To ensure you have a great hiking experience in England, be sure to get the AllTrails app before you go. The app has an extensive list of the best trails for hiking in England, with reviews from other hikers to keep you up to date on the latest trail conditions. You can filter by trail difficulty, length, and suitability and download trail maps to help keep you on track even when you’re offline.

I’m an England local, and I’ve put together a list of the best England hikes below – be sure to save it for future travel inspiration!

Hiking in England: these are the best walking trails

The best walking trails in England include the South West Coast Path in the West Country, Hadrian’s Wall which is close to the border of Scotland, Offa’s Dyke which follows the England/ Wales border and Devon Coast to Coast which traverses Devon’s two spectacular national parks. Read on for information about them all!

The South West Coast Path

South West Coast Path between Land’s End and Sennen Cove

England’s longest hiking trail, the South West Coast Path extends 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset, around the tip of Cornwall, and down to Studland Bay in Dorset.

The entire path takes most hikers at least six weeks to complete (although myself and my partner only completed half of it when we hiked it during a summer at a very leisurely pace!), but it’s completely possible to just do a short section!

If you’re interested in hiking in Cornwall and seeing its dramatic craggy coastline, I’d recommend the hike between St Ives and Penzance. This multi-day route will take you around 3-4 days and all stops are connected by the Land’s End Coaster.

Devon Coast to Coast

$Near Ilfracombe along the Devon Coast to Coast Trail$

Near Ilfracombe along the Devon Coast to Coast Trail

If you’re interested in hiking in South West England but want to see some of its countryside, check out the Devon Coast to Coast Trail!

It’s not as well-known as the South West Coast Path (and other trails on this list!), but it’s a beautiful English hiking trail that leaves the northern coastline by the Bristol Channel, travels through the moorland and ventures through Devon’s idyllic countryside.

The path then traverses past Dartmoor, England’s largest national park. With epic tors and dramatic moorland, dotted by temperature rainforest and bright blue reservoirs, this part of Devon is a spectacle – and the fact that the path weaves its way through means that you’ll have a chance to see some of the lesser-touristy spots!

You can complete the Devon Coast-to-Coast trail by hiking to Wembury, one of the best beaches in Devon.

Hadrian’s Wall

One of the most famous hikes in the UK, Hadrian’s Wall spans 84 miles (135 km) from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway, from east to west.

It follows Hadrian’s Wall, which is a Roman structure that marked the northern end of the province of Britannia in the Roman Empire.

Contrary to popular thought, it isn’t (and never was) the border between England and Scotland, although it is located close by; in fact, Bowness-on-Solway is right next to Scotland!

The terrain encompasses charming English countryside, with preserved sections of walls and various historical sites.

Generally, it takes walkers at least a week to hike the entire path, but like all of these long-distance hiking trails, you can just walk sections!

Offa’s Dyke

Goodrich Castle along Offa’s Dyke

Offa’s Dyke follows the (actual) border between England and Wales.

Starting at the South Wales village of Sedbury and terminating on the north coast, in Prestatyn (a popular holiday town for Liverpudlians!), Offa’s Dyke follows the border between England and Wales.

It dates back to the 8th century when the king of the Saxon province of Mercia wanted to mark the border between the two countries and decided to build the fortification.

Nowadays, it’s been remade to form a hiking trail, which spans 177 miles (285 kilometres).

One of the best hikes in England is from Chepstow to Tintern Abbey, and it’s one of the easiest to reach! Chepstow is a short drive from Bristol and Tintern Abbey is a glorious historical site – it dates back to 1131 AD and the ruins have stood since the dissolution of the monasteries.

Yorkshire Three Peaks

Yorkshire Dales National Park

If you’re heading to the north of England, don’t miss the Yorkshire Dales National Park!

Situated close to the city of Leeds, the Yorkshire Dales incorporate three tall peaks: Whernside, Pen-y-Ghent and Ingleborough.

The “Yorkshire Three Peaks” challenge involves climbing all of these mountains on the same day!

The entire hike is 24 miles in total, and involves climbing over 2000 metres/ 6000 feet!

Of course, you don’t have to complete all three peaks – many hikers opt to climb just one instead. Pen y Ghent is the most popular – although some consider it to have the most challenging terrain! It takes most hikers around three to three and a half hours to complete.

Monarch’s Way

Monarch’s Way is one of the longest hiking trails in England – and it’s rare that somebody will hike the whole distance, as it spans from Worcester in the Midlands to Shoreham on the south coast.

However, its length means that it spans quite a few British towns and cities, plus it offers a range of different terrains.

The hiking trail follows the route of King Charles II after his defeat in the Battle of Worcester in 1651. He left Worcester and made his way south, to the coastline of East Sussex where he retreated to France.

Its historical significance makes Monarch’s Way unique and appealing to a range of hikers, whether they be long-distance trekkers or day trippers! Notably, it leads through part of the city of Bristol and offers a connection from the city to its surrounding nature.

South Downs Way

Seven Sisters in Eastbourne along the South Downs Way

The South Downs Way is a 100-mile-long hiking trail that connects Winchester in Hampshire with Eastbourne in East Sussex.

It’s one of the best hiking trails near London, and it’s suitable for people of most fitness levels; it even offers off-road cycling and horseriding opportunities as well!

Many hikers prefer to stick to the southeastern section of the trail, around Eastbourne and Beachy Head, and Seven Sisters (close to the eastern end) is widely regarded to be one of the most beautiful places in England.

Pennine Way

We don’t have all that many mountains in England, but the Pennine Way is regarded as “the backbone of England” and provides challenging hiking to anyone who’s up for a challenge!

The entire route is 268 miles long and leads from the Peak District to the Scottish Borders.

The whole trail would take at least 16 days of non-stop hiking, but there are plenty of points of interest on the way, including a beautiful valley called High Cup Nick, Wensleydale Creamery (home of Wensleydale cheese!) and the beautiful Kinder Scout plateau in the Peak District.

The Mendip Way

Fancy heading out on a quiet, lesser-known hike close to Bristol?

The Mendip Way is just that. It sprawls from Weston-super-Mare on the Somerset coastline and journeys 80 kilometres/ 50 miles before it terminates in Frome.

The rolling hills are the ideal backdrop to rural English hiking, and along the way, you’ll find a few charming towns and villages to stop off in, including Shipham and Priddy.

The highlight of the hike is certainly the part around Cheddar Gorge, the largest of its kind in England. If you’d like, you can detour to do the Cheddar Gorge Rim Walk or spend some time enjoying Cheddar’s main attractions.

The route also takes you through historic Wells, England’s smallest city, before terminating on the eastern side of the hills.

The route takes most hikers three days, but single-day hikes are possible.

Cotswold Way

The City of Bath at the end of Cotswold Way

The Cotswolds are usually most famous for their charming villages which are made for road-tripping around – but did you know that they’re home to a stunning hiking trail as well?

The Cotswold Way begins in the town of Chipping Camden, and leads through the beautiful English countryside, past villages like Winchcombe (home to Sudely Castle, an ancient property where one of Henry VIII’s wives lived), the spa town of Cheltenham and picturesque Broadway.

At 102 miles in total, this hiking trail has a mix of easy and more challenging terrain. Experienced hikers could complete the whole lot, but others may opt for a flatter section.

It terminates in Bath, where you can rest your muscles with a well-deserved soak in the thermal waters!

Are you ready to go hiking in England?

While England’s a slightly underrated hiking destination, that doesn’t mean that its natural allures should be ignored!

The island nation encompasses beautiful coastal trails, dramatic peaks (they’re not the Alps, but you can still take in some incredible views from the top!) and rolling countryside dotted with quaint villages.

The hiking trails in England are generally very well-marked and maintained, typically running through villages and towns that offer places to stay each night. Or, if you’d rather do day hikes, you can break most of them up into shorter sections.

Hiking in England is one of the best activities to do when backpacking in the UK – so grab your boots and get ready to explore the great outdoors!

May 22, 2023

The 10 Best Day Hikes in New Zealand

Off the Beaten Path

There is a reason New Zealand is a popular shooting location for fantasy movies and TV shows. The stunning and other-worldly landscapes make New Zealand one of the most beautiful countries in the world. There is no better way to take in this beauty than by hiking one of the best day hikes in New Zealand. That said, we have listed ten must-visit hiking trails in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

To ensure you have a great hiking experience in New Zealand, be sure to get the AllTrails app before you go. The app has an extensive list of the best trails for hiking in New Zealand, with reviews from other hikers to keep you up to date on the latest trail conditions. You can filter by trail difficulty, length, and suitability and download trail maps to help keep you on track even when you’re offline.

The Best Day Hikes on New Zealand’s North Island

The North Island is home to a diverse set of stunning landscapes. When comparing hiking conditions between the North and South Island of New Zealand, the North Island offers warmer temperatures on average.

From the alpine peaks in Tongariro National Park to coastal paths in Northland, there is something here for everyone, regardless of your hiking style.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

One of the best day hikes you in New Zealand would be the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. This hike is so memorable, that many people have heralded it as New Zealand’s Greatest Day Hike. When you try it for yourself, you’ll see that this is no flattery or exaggeration on anybody’s part.

Aside from the stunning mountainous terrain, you’ll be able to see emerald lakes and volcanic views. Since this is rocky and steep terrain, it would be a good idea to bring your hiking poles with you to be safe, even if you’re a veteran hiker.

Tama Lakes Track

Another one of the best day hikes in New Zealand that you should try if you’re hoping to visit beautiful lakes in New Zealand is the Tama Lakes track. This particular hiking trail passes the Taranaki Falls trail, which you’ll pass by in order to get to the Lower Tama Lake lookout.

The Tama Lakes Track is a great trail for taking in the view of the Tongariro volcanic area. The whole track takes about 5-6 hours round trip.

Cape Brett Track

Te Toroa Bay from the Cape Brett Trail.

If you want to go hiking along the New Zealand coasts, you should head to the North Island and try the Cape Brett Track. It’s a gorgeous coastal hiking trail that is at the far north of North Island. It’s considered one of the more challenging day hikes in New Zealand, because of the elevation changes and length of the trail.

If you want to cap your hike off with a refreshing swim at the end of the track, you can head to the Deep Water Cove. It’s possible to do the hike in one day, but that would require you to skip part of the trail. If you have the time, you could consider staying in a hut along the way to turn your hike into an overnight adventure.

Pinnacles Track

Nowadays, most people are aware that New Zealand is the setting of many fantastical movies and shows. The most famous film set in New Zealand within the fantasy realm is the Lord of the Rings. If you want to see one of its filming locations in New Zealand, you should try the Pinnacles Track.

The Pinnacles Track is named so due to the pinnacles towering above you. These are pillars that the winds and water have shaped into what they are now. It takes just under 4 hours to reach the summit from the trail head, which makes the Pinnacles Track one of the best day hikes in New Zealand to enjoy the country’s beauty.

The Best Day Hikes on New Zealand’s South Island

New Zealand’s South Island is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the country. The Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park has plenty of options for breathtaking day hikes, so any trip to New Zealand should include plenty of time exploring the area.

But don’t forget to pay a visit to Wanaka, known for its incredible scenery, snow-capped mountains, and turquoise lakes.

Sealy Tarns Track

Near Sealy Tarns in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

The Sealy Tarns Track is one of the more challenging day hikes for New Zealand hikers who want a bit more of an adventure. If you’re hoping to get a gorgeous view of Mount Cook and even Hooker Valley, the Sealy Tarns Track is where you should head to. The entire track takes 3-4 hours, and there are multiple viewpoints along the way for an excellent picnic spot.

Mueller Hut Route

Red Mueller Hut in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, New Zealand

The Red Mueller Hut in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park

If you’re looking for unique and popular places to go to when hiking New Zealand, you should embark on the Mueller Hut Route. This route is trendy for its red Mueller Hut, hence the name.

Although you can finish this trail within one day, you also have the option of turning it into a 2-day trek and spending the night in the famous red Mueller Hut.

Hooker Valley Track

The Hooker Valley Track in Aoraki/Mount Cood National Park, South Island

Hiking in New Zealand will lead you to all sorts of places that you’ve never seen, let alone heard of before. Therefore, if you come across unique names for hiking trails, don’t be dissuaded.

Such is the case for when you make your way over to conquer the Hooker Valley Track that would lead you right to Hooker Lake. The trail crosses 3 suspension bridges and finishes at a lookout above Hooker Lake with an excellent view of Mount Cook.

This 10 km/6 mile hiking trail is one of the easier day hikes in New Zealand since it’s a flat trail. However, it can get quite crowded, so you should take this track early so that you don’t have to drown in the hiking crowds. You’ll be able to enjoy the Hooker Valley better that way.

Roys Peak Track, Wanaka

Roys Peak Track in Wanaka

Roys Peak Track in the Wanaka region is one of the more challenging day hikes in New Zealand that gets you up to Mount Roy’s summit. It takes about 3 and a half hours to reach the top, where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views. You should take this track sometime around January to October for the best experience.

Rob Roy Glacier Trail, Wanaka

Rob Roy Track in Mount Aspiring National Park

Beneath Mount Rob Roy, you can try the Rob Roy Glacier Trail, which follows the Rob Roy Stream after crossing the West Matukituki River. The gorgeous stream across the deep grey valley of rocks is a sight to behold. The track typically takes 3-4 hours and is considered an easy track, making it suitable for beginners.

Along the way, you’re going to encounter a beech forest and waterfalls, which adds to its value as a hiking trail.

Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass National Park

View north from the track to Avalanche Peak, Arthur’s Pass National Park

Another peak that you should consider climbing if you’re looking for a challenging hiking trail is the hike up to Avalanche Peak. This one-day hike in New Zealand can take five to eight hours, depending on your condition and hiking skills.

This is a challenging track to traverse, so make sure that you prepare and research beforehand. If there’s poor visibility or the peak is very snowy, it will be dangerous. However, if you go there on a good day, you’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment after reaching the peak and taking in the view of the valleys below.

Hiking in New Zealand is an excellent way to explore the country. That’s because there are plenty of hiking trails that will allow you to explore the beauty of the stunning landscape. If you ever manage to go to this lovely country, be sure to take to the trails and enjoy the best day hikes in New Zealand.

May 14, 2023

8 Adventure Destinations for Your Travel Bucket List

Off the Beaten Path

Gone are the days of travel jail due to closed borders from the COVID pandemic. As the world opens up to welcome tourists across the globe, the number of options for vacation also increases. Forecasted to rise over 30% in 2023, traveling has taken the world by storm. No longer a luxury, the way people take vacations is changing society.

In this article, discover the best destinations painstakingly chosen to help you create memories that last a lifetime. Inclusive of hiking, oceanic views, and incredible food, you are spoiled for choices.

Here are the eight off-the-beaten-track venues to add to your travel bucket list.

El Nido, Philippines

Entalula Island, El Nido, Philippines

An ocean haven tucked away in the Asiatic Mediterranean, the Philippines is hailed as a gem in South East Asia. Renowned for its Bacuit archipelago of 45 islands, El Nido sets itself apart as a simple yet stunning tiny beach town in Palawan. The best part? Each boat tour group is kept small to cater to your needs on board fully. Even though the traveling journey is taxing, the views rewarded make it all worthwhile. Start by flying into Puerto Princesa Airport to begin. With buses that run every two hours till 10 pm, your arrival time would fit in snugly with this schedule. Book accommodations beforehand, as they tend to run out faster than expected.

Koh Tao, Thailand

A tiny island off the Western coast of the Chumphon Archipelago, it is a dreamboat for divers. Koh Tao is a backpacker’s dream filled with incredible food, people, and the ocean. Despite being small, it makes up for being big on activities. As a hotspot for incoming tourists to take diving courses, Koh Tao remains affordable compared to its neighboring islands: Koh Phangan and Koh Samui. With easily accessible motorbike rentals, transport on the island can be simple yet inexpensive. A pro safety tip is to prevent accidents by driving slowly and keeping your eyes on the road. Non-experienced drivers should never rent a bike. Instead, opt for cheap taxis to get to the next destination.

Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia

Sunrise at Angkor Wat in Siem Reap

The hidden gem of Cambodia is Angkor Wat. Culturally rich with a plethora of space of over 150 hectares, this Buddhist temple is often a country highlight. In addition, Cambodia is close to Vietnam. If you prefer covering more bases, consider combining Vietnam and Cambodia in a single trip. This ensures that your itinerary is fully packed as you get more done within the same time. One of the best ways to do that is by booking trips with a professional such as Exotic Voyages’ tour packages in Cambodia that you can customize to fit your needs.

Zadar, Croatia

Sun Monument in Zadar, Croatia

Zadar is a quaint little city with much to offer; it is also known as one of the oldest towns along the Adriatic Sea. With a historical setting of stone-set beach houses, Zadar is a sight to behold. As part of the newest member of the European Union, its main source of revenue is tourism. In addition, it also uses the EUR (€) currency. Not just a little countryside venue, Zadar is famous for its sea organ. A self-made musical, the sea organ captures incoming waves from the ocean and plays a harmonic tune as nature directs. Located in the city center, the city also has dozens of delectable Mediterranean dishes guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds.

Saranda, Albania

Get the best of both worlds with Saranda – a little town in the Mediterranean Sea across Greece and Italy. Relatively unknown due to its obscure position, Albania is fast becoming one of the top destinations for Europeans. Highly affordable yet breathtaking, it is a traveling haven due to its azure blue waters and close proximity to a UNESCO World Heritage: the Butrint National Park.

Due to its archaeological background and significance, it is one of the highlights of Albania. In addition, Saranda is also close to Ksamil, a Bora-Bora lookalike at a fraction of the price. Simply fly into Corfu in Greece to take a ferry or fly into Tirana, then take a bus straight to Saranda.

Machu Picchu, Peru

For your next adventure, consider Peru for its rich heritage, culture, and forests. Begin by setting foot in a 15th-century citadel on a high mountain range, 7000 feet above sea level. Once home to the Incan Empire, it is one of the world’s seven wonders. As a famed UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983, Machu Picchu is always open. From rainy seasons to the middle of the night, it never closes. In addition, hiking with a guide or other tourists helps to keep you safe. Unlike the rest of the country, Machu Picchu is often free from petty theft and pickpockets. This keeps your mind at ease and your valuables intact as you explore the country.

Florida Keys, USA

Key West, Florida Keys

Consider heading to the Florida Keys the next time you plan your holiday. With ocean-blue waters and a myriad of tropical islands, it is the perfect family destination. One of the best ways to enjoy it is by ensuring you spend a few days in the Florida Keys. Discover history in The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum as you top it off with the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory to get a dose of something different. In addition, you can charter a boat to snorkel, like Key West Snorkeling, to explore the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park. With history, nature, and the ocean on a trip, it can be a fulfilling experience for the entire family.

Your Next Adventure – Final Thoughts

Planning for your trip can be fun yet tedious. The key is to select a location that resonates and move forward. Focus on keeping your itinerary sparsely spread so you have time to enjoy it fully. One main tip is to check visa entry requirements and travel advisories to prevent being turned away at the border when you fly in. Your next adventure can be incredible from Asia to the Balkans, provided you plan it intentionally and carefully.

May 9, 2023