3, 2, 1...here we go, here are my Top 3 travel destinations on my bucketlist...
Number 3
Cape Town, South Africa:
At number 3 on my list we have Cape Town in South Africa. I've always been attracted to going to Cape Town since I've been inspired by social media influencer Mariah McAlpin. Take the relatively easy hike up to Lion's Rock where you have views in all directions: the city bowl, the Twelve Apostles, the ocean, as well as towards Table Mountain. For a quick (2 hour hike), it seems like the perfect way to start the day as you watch the sun rise over the city. Or if you fancy something a little more challenging, there's always the option of climbing up to the top of Table Mountain and from there admire the sweeping views of the city and the busy harbour. Although having said that, for me I'd like to take the alternative slowly rotating cable car all the way up!
Next on the list is to head 1 hour down South and to make the spectacular journey to the Cape of Good Hope. You will be met with giant waves that crash over enormous boulders and head into the Atlantic Ocean. At Boulder Beach you may be lucky enough to see a few penguins too. In fact, it is the only place in the world where you can get close to African Penguins... penguins in Africa? How cool is that!
To discover South Africa it has to include a safari! In many of the game reserves it is often expected to set eyes upon leopards, as well as elephants, lions, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and a vast variety of antelope as well as other species that can be closely observed in their natural environment.
South Africa is also known for its many great wines; so to take a visit to one of the vineyards and sample a wine (or 5!) has to be done! And to finish off this African adventure, as an aviation lover, of course I'd love to take a helicopter ride and soar over the city seeing the many views that Cape Town has to offer...
Number 2
Bali, Indonesia:
Becoming one of the most popular destinations in many people's lists, Bali in Indonesia makes it to number 2 for me! The Nusa Penida (as you can see on the left) is what I think of when I think of Bali but yet this is a separate island. The short trek down the spine of the Instagram famous coastal cliffscape, which truly does look like a T-rex, offers epic drop-offs down each side as crystal clear water slowly forms into crashing waves down below.
"Upon the fields of Bali"...back on the mainland there's so much more, first let's take a look at the gates of Bali. The iconic 'Bali Gates' has been a popular place to strike a pose at its Instagram-worthy gate in front of a pristine pool of water that reflects the sky above it (actually there's a trick but I won't spoil it for you!) So beautiful, this spot has been dubbed the "Gates of Heaven” and is considered one of the most highly regarded temples in Bali.
The picturesque village of Ubud is surrounded by rainforest and terraced rice paddies, dotted with Hindu temples and shrines, and are all among Bali’s most famous landscapes. Another famous attraction is the Bali Swing - one of the hottest Instagram spots in the world where you can experience incredible views! Nearby is also the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary; the scenery is unearthly with giant roots bending around bridges, huge stone carvings of Komodo Dragons sticking out from the sides of river banks and beautiful temples, all home to a huge gang of monkeys.
(Left) The Bali Gates, (Centre) The Rice Terraces of Ubud, (Right) The Bali Swing
Not to be reminded but Bali is dotted with secret temples and cascading waterfalls, all with the backdrop of the volcano of Mount Agung. The Tegenungan, Gitgit and Nungnung waterfalls, the Besakih, Uluwatu and Pura Tirta Empul temples, all of these places need to be squeezed on the list and paid a visit on your adventure.
Number 1
Machu Picchu, Peru:
And here we are, my number 1 and favourite destination is Machu Picchu in Peru; in actual fact I had already planned a trip to come here in 2020 but due to the circumstances as we all know, the plan had to be delayed.
Once the capital of the Incan Empire, nestled in the Peruvian Andes, the city of Cuzco is where I plan to start my adventure. The itinerary would include a 5 day hike along the Salkantay Trek; including a visit to the crystal blue Humantay Lake, passing through rocky terrain, ice capped mountain peaks topping an altitude of 15,200ft (4,650m), jungle, relaxing in natural hot springs in Aguas Calientes, all before reaching our final destination, Machu Picchu.
An ancient settlement, 7000ft above mean sea level, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu in Peru has always been top of my bucketlist. The lost city of the Incas was rediscovered in 1911, but in actual fact was built around 1450AD...
(Left) Humantay Lake & (Right) Rainbow Mountain
A short hike to the Rainbow Mountains back towards Cusco sounds like the perfect way to finish off the trip. After just 2 hours of hiking, you will reach your destination: the miraculous Vinicuna Rainbow Mountain; this mountain of colours stands at 5,100m (16,700ft). Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for llamas, alpacas, vicuñas and even condors on the route!
Do you agree with my Top 3 list? Contact me and let me know your thoughts and your favourite places to go to, I look forward to hearing from you!
(DISCLOSURE: Again, I do not take credit for the following photos, their rights and ownerships are with their own proprietors)
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