My 2014 Top Travel Experiences and How You Can Do Them
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Everyone seems to be after the ultimate travel experiences – things with local flare, educational value, or something that gives back. If it seems too hard to find them yourself – then I’ve done some of the work for you. I collected my top travel experiences from my 2014 travels and provided some info on how you can do them or learn more about them.
From wildlife to cooking to luxury stays, to hiking, to photography, to volunteering, to dirty markets, to eating chocolate – I’ve chosen my favorite experience from each place I traveled to this year and paired it up with one of my favorite photos of the country. Hopefully, some of these will be added to your 2015 travel list!
Table of Contents
Jasper, Canada
The Canadian Rockies are spectacular in the winter, and they are even better when you get out and get close to nature. I took a winter wildlife safari while in Jasper this winter, which was a great way to experience the landscapes and wildlife of the area. More Info – Jasper National Park Wildlife Safari
Honolulu
Most people want beach experiences in Honolulu, but I found a fabulous gastronomic experience with Chef Mavro. A 6-course tasting menu that changes every season is a decadent way to treat your taste buds in Hawaii. My favorite part of the experience was learning more about how he sourced all of his ingredients locally, such as the watercress from Sumida farms in Oahu. More info – Chef Mavro and Farm-to-Table Creations
Kauai
Go out with a local professional photographer to the hard-to-get-to places in Kauai to capture some amazing shots. My experience with Kauai Photography Workshops was one of my favorite things I did all year. We went out to the far corners of the island, into caves, deep into the jungle for waterfalls, and even found hidden lighthouses.
India
If you are looking for some respite from India’s assault on the senses – then Soma Kerala Palace may be the place for you. I thought I would dislike being on a small island for a week, but it ended up being my favorite thing I did in India. Not only was it a chance to experience the peaceful, calm side of India through yoga and solitude, but it was also a chance to see more of the local culture on outings to local fish markets and boat rides through the backwaters. More Info – Soma Kerala Palace Retreat
Queensland Australia
Strap up the hiking boots and hike Spicer’s Scenic Rim Trail in southern Queensland to experience the history of Australia’s homesteaders and pioneers. However, this hiking experience is like no other. When we finished our hiking day, we were treated to a luxurious glamping night – including decadent food and wine, and we retired to cozy luxury tents. More Info –Spicer’s Scenic Rim Trail
Australia Northern Territory
The Kata Tjuta Valley of the Winds Hike (approx. 4 miles) was by far my favorite hiking experience in the Northern Territory. It was a chance to hike through the magnificent Olgas, comprising 36 dome-like rock formations. There were valleys and gorges and amazing flowers and fauna to explore. More Info – Valley of the Winds Walk
Peru
Most people would tell you that Machu Picchu is the best experience in Peru, and it is beautiful, however my niece and I got a different perspective on Peru. By far, the most rewarding experience I had this year was volunteering with Project Peru in Lima. My niece, Megan, raised money to build two homes in the impoverished Los Laderas area. In a few short days, we had walls, a roof, and doors up for a single mother and her adorable kids. But the best part was simply getting a chance to be closer to the community through a hands-on experience. More Info – Volunteering in Lima, Peru
New Brunswick, Canada
Sometimes, it’s the simple impromptu experiences that are the best. We picked up fresh lobsters from Collins Lobster Shop in Alma and walked down the street to Parkland Village Inn, ordered a beer, put on our lobster bibs, and enjoyed Bay of Fundy lobster while sitting at their picnic tables watching the tide roll out. Simple and delicious. More Info – Parkland Village Inn
Prince Edward Island, Canada
A little island in Atlantic Canada known for its farming is the perfect setting for a culinary experience. Set in an old church that Annie bought, gutted, and redesigned herself, you can learn to create culinary works of art that your stomach will thank you for. Roll up your sleeves as Annie and Chef Norm teach you about farm-to-table cooking in a beautiful setting for an afternoon. More info – Annie’s Table Cooking Classes
Great Bear Rain Forest, BC, Canada
It takes planes and boats to get you there, but it’s totally worth it for a unique, remote experience. Get up close to nature at the Nimmo Bay resort. My favorite part of the trip, strangely, was our failed outing to go see bears in the wild – because the journey can be the most important part sometimes. More Info – Bear Watching with Nimmo Bay Resort
Ireland
Most people just go to the visitor center and view the Cliffs of Moher – but I suggest you do the Cliffs of Moher hike and get a new perspective on the famous landmark. You can easily follow the trail from the Cliffs of Moher visitor center to Doolin –the most stunning 8 km that you’ll see in Ireland. More Info – Cliffs of Moher coastal hike
Paris
Who doesn’t love a chocolate-tasting experience? Really – do I need to say more? More Info – Chocolate and Pastry Tour Paris
Sri Lanka
Love elephants? What about 500 elephants? Experience one of the largest elephant migrations in Minneriya National Park, Sri Lanka. You can get an amazing view of the elephant migration called the Gathering. Head out on safari jeeps and see the majestic creatures up close. More Info – The Great Elephant Migration in Sri Lanka
Cartagena, Colombia
It’s not a secret that I LOVE markets – the dirtier and grittier the better. At the end of this year I came across what has turned out to be my favorite market that I’ve ever experienced – the Bazurto Market in Cartagena Colombia. Walk the dirty alleys and interact with the eternally happy Colombians, watch them clean fish, butcher meat, sing, dance, and cook – this market has everything! More info – Bazurto Market Catagena
Disclosure: Some of these trips throughout the year were sponsored. However, all of the opinions here are my own.
Amazing photos from the year. I wish I could do that elbow/head stand! If that kind of miracle can happen in a short time, I definitely want to try it 😀
Trust me – there was no way on day 1 I thought I would do that headstand! Miracles happen! Have a great New Year!
Wow, these are beautiful photos! You’ve had so amazing trips this year! Thanks for sharing and happy holidays!
That photo of Ireland is just gorgeous! I’d love to explore more of Canada one day. Definitely on the to-do list! Great photos in general and looks like an excellent travel year for you ! 🙂
Wow – you certainly got around. Thought you had made it to Turkey as well? Anyway Happy New Year to you
This year I missed Turkey – even though it is one of my favorite countries! Hopefully on the list for a 2015 stop! I was there last year (2013) hiking the Lycian Way though…
Congrats on being able to do the head stand and your pics look amazing especially Ireland.