My ultimate travelist

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The lovely Becky over at Treasured Travels recently put together a blog post on her ultimate travelist, read it HERE.

This was based on where she had visited from the amazing list in the book, the ‘Lonely Planet Ultimate Travelist: The 500 Best Places on the Planet’. I also have a copy of this book (one of the best birthday presents I have ever received). Get your copy by clicking here. From Becky’s post I was inspired to dig it out, see how many I had visited and write my own blog post on my top 10.

I have now made it to 76 of the 500. This 15% is a good start, but I have so many more I want to see. It also made the top 10 quite hard to choose, ask me again tomorrow and it might have changed. But in no particular order here goes.

My top 10 places I have visited from the ultimate travelist

1. Temples of Angkor, Cambodia

Number one in the Lonely Planet Ultimate travelist for a very good reason. This enormous complex of temples is like nothing else. The sheer amount of history here is outstanding.

I went to see the iconic sunrise over the Angkor Wat temple. While it was crowded, it is definitely an experience you don’t want to miss.

Read more about my time in Cambodia here.

2. Great Wall of China, China

China was the first country I visited on my solo trip around Asia, so it holds a special place in my heart. In fact the reason I decided to visit this country was because I had always wanted to see the Great Wall of China.

After climbing the fairly steep hill to reach the wall, it did not disappoint. This feat of what mankind has achieved is a sight to behold.

3. Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania

Safari was just the most amazing trip and I was delighted with the beautiful Selous. It was so green and luscious. The Rufji river runs through the middle and you can see such incredible animals in the wild.

Safari in the Selous was the most sensational trip. Read more about this wonderful place here.

4. Lake Bled, Slovenia

Oct 2018 – an update to this list.

Lake Bled has been on my bucket list for a long time! I finally visited in October 2018, and it was everything I had hope it would be. As I rounded the bend and saw my first glimpse of the lake, it took my breath away.

The little island in the middle, the only lake in all of Slovenia, is home to the most picturesque church. You can swim out in the summer months or row out at other times. There are also hikes and take a trip up to Bled castle for amazing views. And make sure you you try the famous Bled cake! Take a look here!

5. Halong Bay, Vietnam

With 1969 rock formations and islands rearing out of the water and little floating villages, Halong Bay almost feels like another world. There is a lot of mythology surrounding the bay and you can certainly feel it.

I stayed the night on a junk boat. An experience not to be missed when visiting Vietnam. Read more here.

6. Empire State Building, U.S.A

It is fairly common knowledge that New York is my favourite city in the world. I have been to the top of the Empire State building twice. But even on my most recent trip, when I didn’t feel the need to go up it again, the sight of this iconic building made me so happy.

Crossing any bridge into Manhattan and catching that first glimpse of the building – for me nothing is more exciting.

The setting of so many moments in films, it really is a ‘pinch me’ place to visit.

7. Pyramids of Giza

I remember as a child being amazed at the thought of these pyramids, and asking my parents a million questions. I think they were the first place I ever really desired to visit.

When I finally got to lay my eyes on them, they did not disappoint.

Located just outside of Cairo,  and also home to the world renowned Sphinx, this is a place not to be missed when visit Egypt!

I wrote a post all about my experiences – Visiting Pyramids of Giza: Everything you need to know

8. Petra, Jordan

What a bucketlist destination. Walking through the Siq and catching my first glimpse was one of my most memorable travel experiences, it was such a surreal experience. Dating from around 300BC and built by the Nabatean kingdom. It is so much more than the famous treasury. I spent all day and walked over 23 miles exploring the sight, and still wished I had more time!

A definite highlight of Jordan.

9. Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Uganda

I visited Bwindi when I went hiking to see the gorillas in their natural habitat. It really was a once in a lifetime experience. I feel so lucky to have been able to spend some time in this incredibly special part of the world.

The forest is thick, untamed and home to the most incredible families of gorillas.

10. Khongoryn Els, Mongolia

Climbing a sand dune in the Khongoryn Els was the most exhausting thing I have ever done. I am not fond of any sort of exercise, so this felt like a big achievement for me. It took just less than an hour, although some of the group did it much faster.

Khongoryn Els is also the first time I saw a desert, so it was very special. Read about my time in the Gobi here.

Top 10 places I want to visit:

1. Machu Picchu, Peru

2. Havana, Cuba

3. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

4. Bagan, Myanmar

5. Okavango Delta, Botswana

6. Dubrovnik Old City Walls, Croatia

7. Giant’s Causeway, Northern Island

8. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

9. Cappadocia, Turkey

10. Santorini, Greece

have you been to any of these places? What are the top 10 places you have seen?

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