It is hard to have a bucket list when you want to travel the entire world. It was really difficult to narrow down my options to the top 5. The world is full of beautiful places and I want to see everything. I would be the happiest when I travel to the places mentioned here, in no particular order.
Galapagos Islands
These islands should be on top of your bucket list if you like to explore unique places, if you love wildlife and if you want to witness the incredible biodiversity around you.
Did you know that Charles Darwin stayed here and worked on his theory of evolution which now has become the unifying concept of the life sciences? Visiting the islands will be like going behind the scenes and those theories unfold in front of your own eyes.
The Galapagos Islands lie 600 miles off the shores of Ecuador and are made up of 13 large islands, 7 minor ones, and clusters of tiny pieces of land. These islands are home to a large number of endemic species, which means that these animals are only found in Galapagos. The Giant Tortoise, marine iguanas, Galapagos penguins, and fur seals are a few of them.
As for me, I would go crazy seeing so much wildlife around me. I would swim with the sea turtles, dance with the flamingos and would love to laze around with the seals. Can someone get me a margarita? Without a straw, because “No plastic” 😉
Egypt
Ever since I was a child, I have had a fascination with magic and mysteries. The pyramids of Giza topped the list of my places to visit due to that reason. I loved reading about the pharaohs and how they were expected to become gods in the afterlife. They constructed these massive pyramid tombs and filled them with things that they would require in the next world. The ancient engineering feats at Giza were so impressive that even today scientists can’t be sure how the pyramids were built. There are a lot of theories which suggest the work was done by the aliens who visited our planet thousands of years ago. Whatever the truth be, these pyramids and the beautiful Sphinx are on my bucket list.
Egypt also offers stunning beaches. With coastlines on the Mediterranean Sea, the River Nile, and the Red Sea, you can have the ultimate time of your life, doing incredible things like swimming, snorkeling, or simply enjoying great food on the beachfront.
Fjord Bay Taba: Around 15 km from the town of Taba lies a deep blue cove, protected on three sides by a mountain range. You can go for hiking in the mountains from where you can capture incredible panoramic views. And then you can come down to take a dip in the water. It is also a famous diving spot and a massive bed of coral lies at the bottom of the fjord.
Al Nayzak in Marsa Alam: Locally known as the “Shooting Star”, this natural pool is believed to form to have been formed after a meteor hit the place. The water is beautiful turquoise in colour, and the beach itself is very beautiful.
Great Lakes of Kashmir
Trekking in one of the most beautiful places, spotting an alpine lake everyday and getting mesmerized by the beauty around. Who wouldn’t want that? I definitely would.
Kashmir is not just a place for me. It’s an emotion. Born as a pahadi, my childhood was spent running up and down the mountains. I loved the winters and always waited for snow. I thought I have seen it all but that was before I went to Kashmir. I keep falling in love every time I visit this paradise.
I am yet to do a trek in Kashmir and The Great Lakes are on top of that list. Starting your day in the middle of nature, walking on vast green meadows with horses running and herds of sheep grazing on them, and stunning sunset with a beautiful lake in the background equals my kind of holiday.
New Zealand
The country is the best package I could ever ask for. It is the adventure capital of the world. Hiking, caving, bungee jumping, skydiving, you name it and you will get it. Bungee jumping was introduced in New Zealand and you can jump from a bridge or a cliff. If there is a place high enough, I am sure you can find a bungee jumping place there.
This island country is a magical landscape of wild snow-capped mountains, shining lakes, and roaring rivers. Countless epic walks will take you past the country’s top natural wonders. Then there are Waitomo Caves that are home to thousands of glow worms. Imagine walking through the caves which will remind you of the fairytales.
Talking about the fairytales, how can we forget “Lord of the Rings”. All the fans in the house put your hands up. Whenever I visit New Zealand, I am definitely going to Hobbiton. You can actually be in the same set, wander around the hobbit holes and visit the Green Dragon Inn.
Oh New Zealand, my precious!
P.S You can spot the southern lights or Aurora Australis. They are as magnificent as the world famous Northern lights.
Kyrgyzstan
I didn’t know a lot about Kyrgyzstan before one of my friends went on a trip there, a couple of years back. I started reading more about the country after I heard her amazing experiences and saw some stunning pictures. Still a little off the beaten path, this Central-Asian country is known for its hiking trails. There are not a lot of visitors and most of the time it will be just you with the nature. Then there is Issyk-Kul Lake which is the second-largest mountain lake in the world. The people are wonderful and the food is yummy.
I can’t wait to visit Kyrgyzstan and sleep by the lakeside in one of the yurts!
