This beautiful world we live in continues to amaze me every single day and I’m determined to make the very most of this incredible life I’ve been given. Every moment is a true gift. I’ve been fortunate to travel to some truly spectacular places over the past five years, all of which are markedly different to one another. Here are the top 5 greatest travel adventures I’ve had so far:
5. Japan
Travelling to Japan five years was ago was the first time I immersed myself in a culture so markedly different from my own in Australia and it was this trip that first ignited my burning desire to travel the world. Every aspect of this crazy metropolis seemed so foreign to me and feeling so completely out of my comfort zone was such a buzz!
4. Cambodia
Although one of the poorest nations in the world, Cambodia is, remarkably, one of the happiest. With such a horrific recent history, Cambodia still bears the scars from the Khmer Rouge genocide, which occurred only forty years ago. The remarkable strength of the people and their relentless optimism has ensured that everyone who visits here leaves with a great admiration for this place. I certainly did when I visited back in 2009.
3. India
Travelling to India in 2011 is definitely up there as one of my greatest travel adventures so far. Full of colour, aroma and unrelenting chaos, it’s not a place you soon forget! I travelled through much of the northern subcontinent in a very basic manner, using local transport, sleeping in guesthouses or camping and interacting with the local people as much as possible. Some aspects of this journey were difficult, I concede, but India certainly leaves its mark on you! Read more about my adventures in India here.
2. Nepal
I’ve never experienced anything as physically or mentally challenging as the 15 day trek I did in the Annapurna region of the Himalayas in 2012. This photograph was taken at Khopra Ridge at the altitude of 3660m. This really was one of the most incredible adventures of my life so far and I’m so proud of myself for accomplishing such a challenging trek as this, especially in Nepal’s harsh winter.
1. Moving to Germany in 2013
By far, moving to Germany has got to be my number one biggest adventure and the scariest thing I have ever done in my life. To pack up my life, leave my job behind and say tearful goodbyes to loving family and friends was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. But to tell you the truth, I wouldn’t have changed anything. It’s been over a year since I’ve been gone and the lessons I’ve learnt both about myself and about life in general couldn’t have been acquired any other way than through this very experience. I can’t wait to see what else the future holds!
Share your greatest adventure in the comments below!
inspiring post for me - I’m thinking about going travelling and this is good reading http://thewanderlusthasgotme.blogspot.co.uk/2014/08/volunteering-and-working-abroad.html
You must go Gina! Travel is the best thing you can do! x
So many people saying the Annapurna region of Nepal is one of their favourites. Hoping that after the earthquake, the people and landscape of this beautiful area will be ok and that people from around the world will still be able tot enjoy it for a longtime to come.
Traveling is just awesome, you get to see great places and experience different cultures. It’s very fascinating, bet the experience was great.
Exactly. Travelling is so enriching isn’t it? What’s been your favourite travel experience David?
HI Rachel,
Last September,at the age of 64, I traveled solo to Cusco, Peru and arrived two days prior to meeting an all women’s group of trekkers. We hiked the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu over four days. I had become an avid hiker and this trip was a bucket list adventure for me. I fell in love with the beauty of both the landscape and the charming Peruvian people. I returned home with a burning desire to see more of the world and stretch the limits of my imagination on what I could still do.
I immediately signed up with the same tour group out of Canada to trek to Everest Base Camp, October, 2018. I know this will be one of the most difficult things I have attempted in my life and can’t wait lol!! I will then stay in Kathmandu for five days then fly to Paro, Bhutan to explore this fascinating country. We will be there for 12 days and camp two nights above Tiger”s Nest Monastery before descending down to view the monastery.
I appreciate your blog on sites to not miss while in Kathmandu and have noted all. I should have plenty of time to explore as I arrive two days before the actual trek begins to acclimte.
I do have a question about your walking about the cities. Since I will be alone for the most part before meeting up with my treking group, did you feel safe out and about? I never worried about it in Cusco, so hope for the same in Nepal.
Your adventures are so inspiring, Jan! Wow! It all sounds incredible!
I wasn’t travelling solo in Kathmandu – I was with my husband. While I never felt unsafe, I’d avoid walking around dark, quiet areas by yourself at night. I remember reading this account about Nepal at night from another travel blogger: https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/solo-female-travel-dangerous/ I’m sure you’ll be fine but just practise your usual caution.
Have an amazing trip!