BLOG 2016
7 CONTINENTS, 7 DREAM DESTINATIONS
Go on, #SendMeAway! Ice Lolly – the low cost holiday price comparison site – is offering the chance to win £1000 towards your 2016 holiday, plus every blogger’s dream: an Olympus Pen E-PL7 compact camera to capture all your memories along the way! All you have to do? Tell them your dream travel destination. So that’s what I’m doing today… I’ve picked out a must-visit country from each continent and I can’t wait to share them with you! Let’s go.
Iceland (Europe)
Who’s dream European destination isn’t Iceland? Let’s be real here: The place looks a dream. Whether it’s lazing in the Blue Lagoon (a natural geothermal spa in a lava field) or visiting Game of Thrones filming destinations (YES PLEASE!), there is so much to do in Iceland. Reykjavik, the island’s coastal capital, is dotted with colourful buildings and is home to the architectural beauty that is the Hallgeimskirkja church, which offers awesome views over the city. I also want to explore the country on its famous Golden Circle tour, tracing back Iceland’s Viking history to its three most famous natural attractions: Thingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall. Iceland’s one-of-a-kind black sand beach is also a must-see on my bucket list!
Turkey (Asia)
Right, I know Turkey is split between Europe and Asia, but I couldn’t help but include it in my Asia category. Turkey is another gem for wonderful natural sights! How good does flying across the romantic and whimsical fairytale region of Cappadocia in a hot air balloon, overlooking its “fairy chimneys” (a.k.a tall, cone-shaped rock formations) sound? I also want to explore the unique Pamukkale, known for its mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine hillsides! Whilst visiting Cappadocia, I’d love to live like the locals in a natural cave, and whilst in Pamukkale visit the neighbouring region ofHierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city. Of course a trip to Turkey wouldn’t be the same without a visit to Istanbul, the country’s iconic capital! I’d love to see the picture-perfect Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque.
Morocco (Africa)
Again, right on the border of Europe but you can’t deny that Morocco looks awesome and has everything you’d want out of a holiday destination. High mountains, vast deserts, gorgeous coastline and, most importantly, beautiful ancient cities withwinding alleyways, local souqs, mosques and colourful gardens. Hiking the sublime High Atlas mountains has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember and those views are unbeatable. I’d love to delve into the local, traditional culture while visiting not only the country’s enchanting capital, Marrakech (get me to Jemaa-el-Fna!), but lots of smaller unknown villages. Chefchaouen, Morocco’s infamous “blue city” with its otherworldly blue coloured buildings, is also a must-see sight.
Canada (North America)
My degree is a four year course, with the third year taken abroad, and I am praying I can study in Canada for my year abroad! A natural paradise, Canada is my dream destination. I’d love to explore the bustling cities of Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal andOttawa, the country’s capital, and lose myself in Canada’s outstanding natural parks, especially Banff, Jasper and Glacier National Park. Of course a trip – or a semi-permanent move – to Canada is nothing without a visit to Niagara Falls which is enough to make anyone feel awe-inspired.
Bolivia (South America)
The number of places I want to visit in South America is very high so picking one dream destination was a toughy. In the end I settled with Bolivia, a country in central America with terrain spanning the Andes mountains, the Atacama Desert and theAmazon Basin rainforest. Diverse, eh? When most people think of Bolivia, their minds will automatically jump to the breathtaking Salar de Uyuni, otherwise known as the world’s largest salt flat (at over 11,000 square kilometres). It is also referred to as “Earth Meets Sky” where the sky and earth merge to create a dreamy, otherworldly landscape (a recurring theme here?). Whilst ticking things off the bucket list, Bolivia’s dramatic “Death Road“, the North Yungas Road, has always been something that’s fascinated me. In 1995 it was christened as “the world’s most dangerous road” so naturally I really want to cycle down it, despite the thousands of tourists who have sadly died whilst doing so. I’d also want to visit La Paz, the country’s capital, and other diverse Bolivian cities.
New Zealand (Australia)
New Zealand, just like Canada, is somewhere I want to visit simply for the stunning landscapes and scenery – it’s road trip time, people! I fell in love with Europe’s Alpine glaciers and I’m keen to visit more. Franz Josef looks totally mind-blowing and and hiking mountains of ice is not something I’d ever say no to. I’d also love to partake in the country’s adventure sports… New Zealand is an adrenalin junkie’s paradise, after all! Whether it’s bungee jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging or scuba diving, I want to try it all! It doesn’t matter if you’re a big Lord of the Rings fan or not, Hobbiton seems like an awesome and unique place to visit, let alone all of the other LOTR filming locations the country has to offer. Milford Sound, Lake Wanaka,Waitomo Caves and Tongariro National Park are just a few of many other places I’d love to visit in New Zealand!
And finally… Antarctica!
Antarctica, as a continent, is a dream destination in its own right, especially considering the price of current expeditions, cruises and tours (£4000 upwards!). Antarctica’s preserved natural beauty, untouched by the large majority of humans, looks absolutely mind-blowing and I’m just praying the increase in Antarctica tourism doesn’t ruin it. Despite this, who doesn’t want to see its wild beauty and vast icebergs, and let’s not even mention the thousands of whales, seals and penguins! I’m really interested in how this new emerging tourism takes off in the next decade – who knows!
So, where is your dream destination? Let me know in the comments below! I nominate my fellow #UKBA16 Travel nominees I am Ella and Hey! Dip Your Toes In, and the wonderful Sophie’s Suitcase to enter Ice Lolly’s #SendMeAway competition, so go and check out their inspiring blogs!
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