3 Years on.. Places I can’t get out of my head

Back in 2015 as part of the monthly bloggers linkup I shared my passion for Africa as the place I couldn’t get out of my head. Three years on and is it still the place I can’t get out of my head?

Yes… but it’s not alone. As I reflect back on my blog from time to time or my Instagram feed memories come flooding back from the years of travel I’ve done. It’s been a decade since I first stepped on that plane to Austria and I wouldn’t have changed a thing.

Before I turned 30 I shared an array of 30 of my greatest travel experiences, I think they best demonstrate the places and experiences that I can’t get out of my head and are always in my memories.

1. Taking that first step towards the other side of the world (Austria) »

Austria was my first taste of Europe and meeting so many new cultures. I made some lifelong friends and caught the travel bug.

2. Hiking in Rwanda to see mountain gorillas »

Nothing quite tops seeing a mountain gorilla in the wild, free and happy without a care in the world. The knowledge that it could easily take a few steps towards you and destroy you in an instant is far from your mind when you first step through the bush to see these incredible creatures.

3. Moving to London »

London is often on my mind, but these days its more about the people I met there than the travel opportunities. I loved the brunches with friends, drinks with workmates, games of rugby and wanders in the park. There was always something to do and someone to catch up with.

4. Discovering Bosnia and Herzegovina »

Bosnia and Herzegovina are places that sit deep in my heart, that pull on my heart strings and keep me grounded. The pain and despair that Bosnia and Herzegovina have been through is incredible, yet today it is an area of beauty, culture and incredible food.

5. Cruising Around the Galapagos »

This is up there with Africa. It’s one of those times that I didn’t quite appreciate as much as I do now. Seeing such unique wildlife and being completely remote on a boat cruising around islands is something truely special.

6. Immersing myself in Patagonian Nature »

Patagonia has so much to offer from the East Coast wildlife, to the West Coast glaciers and mountains. It’s an area that I see so much of New Zealand in and can really appreciate how incredible our natural landscapes and wildlife are.

7. Safari in Africa »

If you ever go to Africa, then a safari has to be on the cards. Preferably a remote one with few tourists. I’ve been lucky to go on several game drives and boat trips to spot a wide array of African wildlife roaming free in the national parks. I could easily jump back there at any given moment.

8. New York, New York! »

For someone who dislikes cities, New York has a charm of its own. There is so much to do, eat and enjoy there.

9. Best Waterfalls in the World – Iguazu »

Yes, I called it. Iguazu has the best waterfalls in the world. Given that is spans three countries and you can get up close, above and below, I think it wins hands down.

10. Delving into the Jungle and Entry to the Amazon Pampas, Bolivia – A Top Experience »

I’d never heard monkeys cry quite like the Howler monkeys. I’d never imagined pink dolphins or Birds of Paradise. I’ve never even heard of a Capybara. The Pampas is so unique and has some incredible weird and wonderful creatures to share. 

11. Top Experience: London Olympic Games »

The London Olympic Games was a once in a lifetime experience and one I’ll be lucky if I ever get to repeat.

12. Salt Flats of Bolivia: Salar De Uyuni, A Top Travel Experience »

Salar De Uyuni is so vast, empty and white. Sometimes you can’t quite tell what is salt and what is sky, but one thing is for sure — it is like nowhere else in the world.

13. Swiss Styling through Switzerland »

Switzerland is a little part of Europe that I hold near and dear. It’s old heritage buildings and clean and crisp nature makes you want to pinch yourself to believe what you’re actually looking at.

14. Greek Islands »

Cocktails, beach, sun, Greek food, flowers and white washed stone buildings. The Greek Islands mean summer and is a warm spot to dream about whenever you need cheering up.

15. Hiking up Machu Picchu Mountain »

It may have freaked me out with the sheer drops as I hiked up, but Machu Picchu Mountain was a true achievement and one I’ll never repeat.

16. Paragliding in Slovenia »

Slovenia is a little known country with plenty of delights. It’s the country that saw the end to my European scholarship exchange. Paragliding off a mountain and over a lake was so freeing and delightful.

17. Walking amongst Chimpanzees in Uganda »

Chimpanzees in the wild are nothing like the zoo. They sound incredible as there voices travel through the forest. Then there’s moments where you can just see them thinking and realise just how much like humans they really are.

18. Cinque Terre: Walking through 5 little Italian Villages, A Top Travel Experience »

Cinque Terre is one spot that I always like to recommend to people visiting Italy and one that I loved walking. So scenic and so beautiful.

19. Ireland Photo Blog – A Top Travel Experience »

Ireland is one I remember for the people and the nature. So green and so friendly.

20. Discovering the Aurora Borealis / Northern lights »

The Northern Lights is something so unique to nature and this world, that photos and videos just can’t quite do justice. To see the sky above you open up in colourful moving colours makes you feel like you’re on another planet. These photographs are ones I took during my time in Norway.

21. Wildlife Volunteering »

Volunteering with wildlife in Namibia and Ecuador was something to remember. It was eye opening and memorable to be so close to such unique animals.

I’ll never quite forget showering and sleeping with a baby baboon named Violet either!

22. Skydiving over Lake Taupo, New Zealand »

Let the adventure begin! This was possibly the start of my adventurous streak and one I’ll never quite loose…

23. Meeting Condors in Colca Canyon, Peru »

Cycling along and seeing these incredible large birds glide around Colca Canyon was another of the ‘pinch me’ moments. Coming from a country of many flightless birds, to be so close to such enormous birds in the sky was a wonder.

24. Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia, Turkey »

Dawn in the sky, gliding over valleys that just look like they are landscapes from another planet. Pretty darn cool!

25. Pyramids of Giza »

The pyramids of Giza are just one of those places that you need to experience for yourself and not be tainted by anyone elses opinions. They’re a wonder of the world and one that I hope everyone can enjoy one day.

26. Petra, Jordan »

A whirlwind adventure day to Petra to walk down the canyon and look up at the vast stone city that was lost for so long. Something hard to believe from little ol’ New Zealand.

27. Hitting the Sandy Slopes, Namibia »

Swapping the snow for sand anyone? It was pretty awesome to see how fast you can reach on a piece of board head first down Namibian sand dunes.

28. Thailand, A Taste of Asia »

I never quite saw the party side of Thailand, but I did see how colourful, creative and different it is from anywhere else in the world.

29. Discovering the Quirks of the United Kingdom »

Ahh the memories of the UK travels. From the much loved Edinburgh to the Welsh seaside. The UK has so much to offer and I’m so pleased I made the most of it when I lived in London.

30. Rediscovering New Zealand »

Coming up three years back and I’m still rediscovering my homeland. New Zealand is a beautiful area with so much to offer nature lovers. My recent South Island road trip has taken me from place to place making me wonder if the scenery can get any more beautiful that this.

So, those are the places I really can’t get out of my head and I hope I never do. Travel memories are some of the best ones we can have. Such growing experiences to learn, discover, enjoy and appreciate.

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Wondering what’s happened to the South Island road trip blog posts? Don’t worry they’ll be back next week and it’s all about my favourite spot in the South Island – Wanaka! Stay tuned!