After traveling to 30 countries in the last two years, people always ask me, “what’s your favorite destination?” And truthfully, everytime I answer I pick a different country. Somedays I say South Africa while other days I pick Indonesia or Poland. It’s too hard to pick a favorite country! But it’s much easier to narrow my list of all- time best travel experiences.
So if you’re looking for some inspiration for your future trip, these were some of the most unforgettable memories.
My Best Travel Experiences
Sailing the Indonesia Islands with Star Clippers Sailing
Why I loved it so much: One of my first international experiences included a sailing trip around Indonesia with Star Clippers Sailing. Our days were spent exploring different islands and each night we would watch the sunset and star gaze from the boat.
The smaller ship size gave it a more intimate feel than a mega cruise ship and the itinerary was epic. This is easily one of my best travel experiences to date! I can’t say enough good things about this company.
- STAR CLIPPERS SAILING: EXPLORING ISLANDS OF INDONESIA
- 5 REASONS TO PUT STAR CLIPPERS SAILING AT THE TOP OF YOUR BUCKET LIST
- INDONESIA’S PINK BEACH- EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!
African Safari at
Gondwana Game Reserve
Why I loved it so much: This luxury safari park exceeded my expectations from the moment we arrived and found our accommodation surrounded by dozens of zebras. The expert, friendly guides made each and every safari informative, fun and a thrilling adventure as we sped along the African plains.
- A COMPLETE GUIDE TO SOUTH AFRICA’S LUXURY SAFARI PARK: GONDWANA GAME RESERVE
- BIG 5 AFRICAN SAFARI- 7 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- 9 REASONS SOUTH AFRICA SHOULD JUMP TO THE TOP OF YOUR BUCKET LIST
Dog Sledding in Sweden
Why I loved it so much: Racing over a frozen lake in a winter wonderland is only made so much better by dozens of friendly huskies who can’t wait to lick, snuggle and love you! From the moment we arrived at the kennels, the dog’s excitement was palpable.
I don’t know who enjoyed the excursion more: us or the dogs! They were bouncing off the walls with anticipation while the mushers tried to harness and ready them for our trip. And they were all just so loveable! Top this off with the fact that northern Sweden is absolutely stunning in January and you have a travel experience that can’t be topped!
More on the topic:
- DOG SLEDDING IN SWEDEN- WHERE TO GO AND HOW TO GET THERE
- 25 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO GO DOG SLEDDING
- HOW TO FIND WORK WITH A DOG SLED COMPANY – AND WHERE EXACTLY TO APPLY
Van Life in Australia
Why I loved it so much: At first, I was nervous when my friends suggested we travel across Australia with no set itinerary. But once we picked up our JUCY campervan, my worries were quickly forgotten.
I loved being able to wake up each day at sunrise, google what national parks or landmarks were nearby and just head off in our van. Blasting road trip tunes and having a ball as we went, this laid back approach to traveling Australia was perfect.
- 8 PLACES IN AUSTRALIA THAT LEFT ME SPEECHLESS
- VAN LIFE IN AUSTRALIA: DON’T FORGET TO PACK THESE 8 THINGS!
- CHASING WATERFALLS IN QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA- THE PERFECT 1 DAY ITINERARY
- GREAT OCEAN ROAD: YOUR ULTIMATE 2 DAY ITINERARY
- VISITING THE MAGICAL NOOSA HEADS FAIRY POOLS
Working As A Spring Break Host in Mexico Twice
Why I loved it so much: An entire month living at a resort in Mexico…what’s not to love?! This was also where I discovered how much I love mixing travel with work. By working jobs around the world, you get to vacation with a little more purpose. I was getting to have moments of great relaxation by the ocean but still feel like I was contributing to something. I was also living with coworkers which meant I had friends to explore and travel with as well.
- HOW TO FIND A PAID TRAVEL JOB IN PARADISE: SPRING BREAK STAFF
- 25 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO VISIT CABO SAN LUCAS, MEXICO
Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
Why I loved it so much: Some things are just unforgettable. This morning was one of them. I’ll never forget eagerly standing in the dark at 4:30 am waiting outside the gates to enter the Taj Mahal for the first time. As the sun starting coming up and we entered into the mausoleum, my jaw dropped. There stood the Taj Mahal glittering in all its glory.
- HOW TO GET A PHOTO ALONE AT THE TAJ MAHAL
- INDIA: 10 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED
- INDIA: YOUR COMPLETE PACKING GUIDE
Road Trips on Route 66
Why I loved it so much: During my time working as a tour leader with Topdeck Travel, I did 4 month long road trips across America on Route 66. Plus 3 shorter road trips down a shorter portion of the infamous “Mother Road.” I have come to love Route 66 with a passion! It’s full of history, natural beauty, adventure and great stories.
The Holy Water Temple in Bali
Why I loved it so much: This experience for me was highly transformative. I remember feeling as if the entire world had faded away and there was nothing else but myself, the cleansing water and the Balinese ritual we had been taught. Over and over I dunked my head into the water. And in that moment, I felt such clarity about the kind of life I wanted to live and an intense connection to the present moment.
Living in Krakow, Poland for two months
Why I loved it so much: After bouncing around to so many countries in the past two years, I have found that slow travel is the best kind of travel. Getting to really know a new country is so different than doing a quick tour and day trip. While I was living in Krakow, I had my favorite coffee shops and bars. I made friends with locals and went out with them on the weekends. I had a favorite pierogi shop and took countless day trips from Krakow and really got to see Poland properly.
Taking the time to properly explore and live in this country gave me a deep appreciate for it. I tell people I miss Poland all the time! I probably wouldn’t have such a strong connection with it if I simply stay for 2 days and hit all the tourist hot spots. Slow travel really opens you up to transformative experiences and meaningful connections abroad.
- 10 REASONS TO WORK AS A PUB CRAWL GUIDE WITH KRAWL THROUGH KRAKOW
- 25 PHOTOS TO INSPIRE YOU TO VISIT KRAKOW, POLAND
- 7 MUST HAVE FOOD EXPERIENCES IN KRAKOW, POLAND
Sailing the Nile River in Egypt
Why I loved it so much: As a young girl, I was always fascinated by the ancient Egyptians. In 5th grade, I even went as Cleopatra for Halloween. So to finally travel down the Nile and explore Egypt by boat felt like history coming to life! A totally one-of-a-kind experience, I am so thankful for our time in Egypt.
- EGYPT- 18 THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
- WHAT TO WEAR IN EGYPT: A WOMEN’S GUIDE TO FEELING COMFORTABLE AND FASHIONABLE WHILE TRAVELING EGYPT
- HOW TO TRAVEL EGYPT ON A BUDGET – 8 DAY GUIDED TOUR WITH TOURRADAR
Backpacking Europe on a Budget
Why I loved it so much: If I’m being totally honest, I blew through most of my travel funds in expensive countries like Africa, Iceland and Israel. But no matter how little was in my bank account between travel jobs, I always had a BLAST backpacking around Europe on a budget. Whether I was couchsurfing in Paris, staying in a hostel with my best friend in Rome or volunteering in Germany I had just as much fun on these trips as I did during my more luxurious vacations.
And over time the more I traveled, the more friends I had in Europe. It finally came to a point of simply visiting and staying with friends while back in Europe. It felt like “easy” travel. Like coming home.
Read more on this topic:
- HOW TO GET A FREE ALL INCLUSIVE STAY IN EUROPE
- PARIS ON A BUDGET: 3 DAYS FOR JUST €100
- HOW TO DO MUNICH’S OKTOBERFEST ON A BUDGET
- HOW TO VISIT ORVIETO, ITALY ON A BUDGET
Shop My Travel Essentials:
How To Travel The World On $50 A Day
Backpacking Gear
Travel Journal
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Let me know your best travel experiences in the comments!
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best travel experiences
Could you please make a post about how you plan your trips? Like, how you map out the time schedule, and plan everything for your year. 😁😊
Hi Violet!! Thanks so much for your comment 🙂
That is a great idea for a post!! Thank you so much for the recommendation!