Travel moments that sparked joy
When you close your eyes and think of your travels, those happy moments, those places that sparked joy, the smile that the memories create… where are you?
Here’s where those moments take me:
Iguaçu Falls, Brazil
Iguaçu Falls, Brazil
The moment I stepped onto the platform and saw the wide gushing falls I had to pinch myself. Here I was in South America, solo backpacking and seeing incredible landscapes like this! The Argentinian side was incredible too, but that was my second taste to the falls…
Read more about the Iguaçu Falls »
Prague, Czech Republic
St. Patricks Day amongst Easter Markets in Prague’s town square
Sitting high on a seating platform, nibbling on cinnamon treats, listening to Irish music and watching dancers in Saint Patrick’s Day. This was my first real trip planned by me and a fellow student. We’d taken the train from where we were studying in Austria. We started nervous of the gypsies that we’d been warned about, but at that moment in the shining lights of the central square, sheer joy was enjoyed.
Positano, Italy
Sheer beauty, can it get much better? Stunning Italian coastline with white washed buildings perched on a steep cliff. The joy was the surrounds… not the hike back up to catch the bus!
Chilling in the sun of Positano
Montreux and First, Switzerland
Yes, a lake can be that beautiful. Whether it’s home to a beautiful Chateau or high in the mountains surrounded by clouds and snow. Switzerland is a spot that I often return to in my ‘happy place’ moments.
Chateau de Chillon, Montreux. Switzerland
First, Switzerland.
Rwanda, Africa
Honestly had to include the moment you walk through the bush after 3 hours of hiking to see a mountain gorilla group relaxing and going about their day oblivious to your presence. If that doesn’t bring a smile to your face imagining that then I’m not sure what would!
Gorilla eating
A baby gorilla in Rwanda
Northern Lights, Tromso, Norway
Knee deep in snow, gazing up at dancing lights in the sky. It’s completely natural and a unique experience. Possibly once in a lifetime.
Northern Lights, Tromso
Read more about the Northern Lights »
Gliding above, paragliding, Vogel, Slovenia
The peace that comes when your feet leave the ground and the wind catches your parachute. The thermals glide you around the valley and lake. There’s no traffic. No sound. Just sheer peace.
Paragliding in Slovenia
Read more about my paragliding experience »
Snowboarding, New Zealand
That moment when you pause at the top of the mountain, a fresh cool breeze around you. Beautiful white snow covers the mountain ranges. Quiet beauty that comes before the exhilarating ride down!
View from Whakapapa skifield
Read more about snowboarding in New Zealand »
Snorkelling amongst the sea life, Galapagos, Ecuador
There’s nothing quite like it. I just wish back then I’d had more practice to keep up with the turtles and penguins. Not to mention the colourful fish!
Islote Tinoreras
Marine Iguanas on Islote Tinoreras
Read more about the Galapagos »
Staring in wonder at Giza, Egypt
How the heck did they manage to make those pyramids and the Sphinx I’ll never really know. An incredible feat and wonder to enjoy.
Standing in front of the Pyramids of Giza
Walking the Hooker Valley Track, New Zealand
Back home, on a road trip this was one of those locations that showed me this is where I’m meant to be. This is home. Such sheer natural beauty on snowy mountains, ice crashing from the surrounds, fresh icy air and sun beaming down. Amongst nature I’m often at my happiest.
Aoraki Mount Cook
Walking past the Royal Courts of Justice, London
When I first moved to London my daily commute saw me waking past the Royal Courts of Justice. While I don’t have a photo to share, close your eyes and imagine a bustling street and walking past incredible huge ornate grey stone gothic architecture that spans thousands of years old. This is your first real taste of living amongst such a historic city. These moments are those pinch me moments of my life. Like, my real life.
Those are just a few on my moments on my travels that spark joy when I think back. They are memories I hold near and dear. Times that bring a smile to my face. In reality every trip I’ve been on has sparked some sort of joy, otherwise I wouldn’t have travelled there.
After all what is travel if not a chance to spark joy in your life?
Giraffe Sanctuary, Nairobi, Kenya
For more of my favourite places, check out my Top 30 Greatest Travel Experiences »
This post is part of a monthly travel linkup, I hope it helps you to close your eyes and think of those stand out moments that spark joy from your own travels, whether they are near or far.
We both have Giraffe Centre featured!!!
Haha yes it was one of those photos I haven’t looked at in ages!
You have been to some wonderful amazing places Ngaire. So many to choose from too. You must have thousands of photos.
Yes I probably do… I need to go through them more often to be reminded of the places! What places sparks joy for you?
Hello there! I found your blog via Twitter. Your photos are lovely! The part about New Zealand is my favorite.
I genuinely think you’ve been to some of the most amazing places, more so than anyone i know! Egypt and Positano are high on my list.
Thanks hun, coming up nearly 4 years in NZ now and I still wonder how I did so much in 5ish years over that side of the world. Let me know if I can help with any of your plans, those are great spots to see!