At the beginning of the new year every travel savvy internet person makes a list of top places to go, so I thought I would add my two cents in the mix. Some of these are places I have been before and wish to visit again, (cause they are amazing), others are top bucket list items.
Enjoy and hopefully these inspire some of your own travels in 2015!
Brazil
First things first, Brazil is HUGE, much larger and more diverse than I could have ever imagined. There is also ALOT more to offer than just Rio de Janerio, (although the beaches are quite nice). Think the stunning Iguassu Falls, the Amazon, the music and colours of Salvador, gosh I could go on and on. And foodies, don’t even get me started on the juices and açaí bowls!
Galapagos
When people ask me for places to visit I ALWAYS recommend the Galapagos. Why? Because right now they are the most easily accessible for tourist as they have ever been. But, it might not stay that way and they can be Closed again. So go now, and go as soon as you can. Also, they are just out of this world amazing.
Chile
Now I’ve only been to Santiago, but from what I saw I was very impressed! Santiago is one of the most developed and most modern cities in South America. Nestled amongst the backdrop of the Andes, even if you just visit Santiago, you will be impressed! Plus wine, lots of really REALLY good wine.
Croatia
Maybe 5 years ago Croatia was the IT destination in Europe, and still relatively unknown to the general North American’s travel circuit. Croatia is now the new Greece, full of cheap hostels, great bars, nightlife and of course beaches! This Mediterranean country is one of my favourite places and a great place to party and relax!
Myanmar
Having only recently opened up to tourists, Myanmar is what Thailand was 10-20 years ago. So if you love Thailand, but could do without all the typical tourists bells and whistles plus have a much more rugged and raw experience, Myanmar should top your list! It sure tops mine.
India
I feel like India is this weird right of passage for long term travellers and nomads. I unfortunately have never been and it’s one of the places I am simply dying to go! Every single person I talk to that has been and travelled to India tells me of how life changing and different everything is down there. So basically, if you want to fit in with the travel “cool kids”, India is the place to go!
Tobago
Yes I might be a bit bias because I spent 2 months doing literally everything there is to do on this island. But the island of Tobago in the Caribbean is fairly untouched by tourism outside of Trinidadians coming over for vacation. There are several beautiful beaches, lots of activities and world class scuba diving! Beat the crowds of the other popular Caribbean travel destinations and visit the more private, more authentic island of Tobago.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Move over Croatia, there is a new IT destination in Europe and it’s Bosnia and Herzegovina. While it doesn’t have the beaches, it still has a lot of culture, great cities and landscapes, plus waterfalls, really awesome waterfalls.
New Zealand
Even with all the Hobbit film tourism boom, I still feel like most people overlook New Zealand. Partially due to the fact that plane travel to get down there is very expensive. But this is not an excuse to miss out! Plan for a longer trip and you can even out the cost of the flight with all the incredible photos you will be taking!
South Africa
Growing ever more popular year by year, South Africa has A LOT to offer tourist: beaches, safari’s, parties, whatever you what. And surprise! It’s also my next travel destination!
Morocco
Considering ethnic prints have been all the rage in 2014, Morocco should no doubt be a fashion and photographer’s dream. The colours, the fabrics, the lamps. I just want to go and take a million photos.
Turkey
Hagia Sophia, Hagia Sophia, Hagia Sophia. Okay, now that I’ve gotten that off my chest, castles, beaches, museums, Turkey is perfect for those explorers looking to venture into Europe, but off the beaten path. Just seriously, raw, stunning history, architecture and landscapes.
Philippines
While most of Southeast Asia’s typical Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam have been travelled and well documented by beginner and novice travellers alike, the Philippines are still a VERY untravelled destination. They have the same climate, same types of beaches, less drunk tourists. (I’ve been one of those so I can’t complain too much…) Yes, they are however a bit more challenging to get to, but sometimes we gotta work for our reward. (is that a quote?)
Switzerland
Summertime, wintertime, anytime, it’s hard NOT to take an amazing photo in Switzerland. I have been multiple times, to various parts of Switzerland and yet I still want to go back. It’s no wonder I’ve named it one of the most beautiful places in the world!
Scotland
Maybe cause I’ve just recently fallen in love with this country, but Scotland is seriously stunning. Edinburgh is full of gothic buildings that look like they are from Harry Potter, plus the countryside is full of Instagram worthy landscapes. Yes, it might rain while you are there, but that’s all part of the charm!
Well I hope you have enjoyed my 15 destination picks, are YOU planning to add any of these to your travels this year? Let me know in the comments down below!
one by one amazing places i would love to go to Mongolië Malta and Canada
Yay! Croatia! I might be headed there this year.
South Africa is one of my favorite places. If you want a few suggestions, check out my posts on South Africa here:
http://www.lifeplus1.me/home?tag=South%20Africa
Going on safari in Kruger National Park was an experience of a lifetime, I hope you find time to squeeze that in while you’re there!
V
Life+1
That’s a lot of beautiful places…
Awesome list!
Amazing list, has gotten me thinking about my top 15 places to go… Don’t know about this year but for sure on the Bucket List. I will be going to Scotland for my first time this year, so any suggestions of what to do please let me know!
you should visit the camera obscura museum in edinburgh! ;-)
Great list! I’ve been dreaming of some of these spots for a while now :) I think I’ll stick within Europe for this year and venture of the continent next year because I would love to see New Zealand soon and islands are my dream destination!
I truly enjoy seeing what you love about each place you go!!
http://www.awanderlustforlife.com
Great list! I also love Scotland and New Zealand, and South Africa is amazing- enjoy your time there!
What?! You’re finally coming to South Africa :D Hope you have an awesome time! If you need a travel buddy \o/
South Africa should be interesting. Can’t wait to see the videos.
Yaaay you included the Philippines! Visit us Nadine!
I’m also going to see Croatia this year, its amazing how one small counties have so many different things to see, its not only Mediterranean country they have also continental parts of it. But after your 2mo in Tobago its my first next destination in 2015 :)
I’m so glad to read that you’re visiting South Africa! But, please remember, Cape Town is just one city in South Africa, and although it’s pretty cool, Durban is fantastic as well. So looking forward to your South African videos :)
True story. Although Cape Town is pretty much where most of the touristy stuff is so with limited time and budget I’d guess most people only really have time for Cape Town and probably Kruger. There’s just too much to do around the whole country to see it all in 1 trip I reckon :)
Your going back to Tobago again for that long or are you going a shorter trip ?
This list is like reading my bucket list! After spending 4 months in Cyprus (which, I totally recommend visiting – it’s Greek and Turkish) I’ve been dying to visit Turkey to see the differences. Great list, Nadine!
I love the mix of great architecture, and landscape destinations. You nailed my top bucket list destination: Myanmar!
As usual, that just gave us extreme wanderlust…and an extreme desire to up our photo game! Those pictures are beautiful.
My son and I are planning to volunteer this summer with volunteersa.com this summer with the Big Cats. I am having a hard time finding reviews and testimonials about the program. You were listed in YouTube video of Jon Watson’s – any thoughts about the program?
All the destinations mentioned above are excellent choices! You make me want to quit my day job and JUST TRAVEL! The only place I would add is Greece! Greece is divine.. the beaches are magnificent and the waters are crystal clear blue, the nicest people you will ever meet! My wife and I are planning on buying a house in Crete!
See here how beautiful it is:
http://www.mygreece.tv/en/crete/towns-and-villages-of-crete
http://www.mygreece.tv/en/crete/Crete-Kedrodassos-Beach
Definitely visit Greece! and if you are from the States, it is a good idea to combine Greece with Turkey and visit Istanbul and Izmir! Equally amazing!
If you haven’t explored god’s own country yet, September is the best time to visit Wayanad . Blue Mountains, striking waterfalls, streams full of water, freshness and greenery everywhere with so many indoor and outdoor activities will be waiting for you.
Alleppey backwaters and hill stations in Kerala are the must visit places once in a life time
Oh man..2016 is ending and I havent even completed this list!