Hi I am Sakshi! I am travel enthusiast, I love to travel solo, and always looking for a chance to explore new destinations. Another hobby of mine is to share my travel experiences through blogs like these :)
Ever since my childhood, I wanted to travel the world. As more I explored about different places to travel, more and more I fell in love with the idea of travelling. Exploring new places and knowing about the history and its impact, always amazes me. I am also, attracted to stunning work of architecture and tasting different cuisines. The cultural significance of the places and artistic work of different artisans is another appealing factor for going to that place. I have narrowed down 20 places that I want to travel, which are as follows:
1. Oia, Santorini – Greece
I fell in love with the place the moment, I saw the pictures of this beautiful blue and white town. Oia is a small town on the islands of Thira (Santorini) and Theresia in the Cyclades, Greece. There are very mesmerizing places to visit when you are there like, sunset viewing from Serenade point, Fort Londsa- 360 degree view, Panagia Church etc. The specialty of this little town is Wine in Hinterland, honey, capers and fava beans. While you are at Greek world do try these cuisines- Fava me Koukia (mashed up fava beans), Saganaki (fried cheese in filo pastry covered in honey), Greek Salad.
2. Japan in Cherry Blossom Season
Cherry Blossom season starts from March to April and it is the best time to visit Japan. The beautiful flowers attracts most tourists here and if you get an opportunity don’t miss it. There are so many places you can visit to enjoy this bloom- Goryokaku Fort Park, Hakodate city- Hokkaido, Kakunodat- Akita, Ueno Park & Shinjuku Gyoen Park- Tokyo, Japan Mint- Osaka, and many other places. While you are in Japan, don’t forget to visit local places and do try the famous cuisines of Japan like- Sushi, Ramen, Unagi, Shabu- Shabu, Soba, etc. The one thing you shouldn’t miss is Japanese cuisine is Chan ChanYaki (JA), it is the specialty of fishing villages.
3. Marrakesh- Morocco (Islamic Landmark)
It is major economic center of Morocco, and is home to mosques, palaces and gardens. The symbol of this city is Moorish Minaret of 12th century Koutoubia mosque. The city is filled with architectural beauty and one must also visit, Berber Empire with Mazelike alleys, El Badi Palace, and Saadian Tombs. If you are interested in knowing the history then, don’t forget to visit Musée de Marrakech, which comprises of beautiful decorative objects and coins. Also, there are many alluring gardens such as Agdal, Mojorelle, and Menara. The street food is very popular here, one must try- Harira soup, Kababs, Lamb Tanjia, and wide range of nuts and dry fruits.
4. Bora Bora – French Polynesia
It is the most celebrated island in South Pacific, and is best visited from May to October. The pretty blue and green sea calms the soul and to get best experience, try staying ‘over-water bungalows’ or, beach villas. The marine life consists of crabs, sea turtles, dolphins and humpback whales, and more than 500 species of fish. Scuba diving, Snorkeling, Jet Ski are widely popular sports among st the tourists. Poisson Cru and Banana & Papaya purees are very popular food items here, along with Foie Gras, Thahitian Vanilla, Thahitian Fruit Pudding, etc.
5. Torres Del Paine (National Park) – Chile
This place is perfect blend of mountains, lakes, and glaciers. It has a very mind blowing trek from beautiful peak, azure lakes, trails that mender through, emerald forests, roaring rivers, and radiant blue glaciers, steep to rugged mountain trails which are perfect for hiking which is topped by looming peaks, this place has it all. It is also known for its iconic skyline and also the abundant species like Guanacos, Flamingos (pretty pink birds), Pumas, Grey Fox, Rheas, and South Andean Deer. While on trek, don’t forget to pack your own food. Fill yourself with charming scenic beauty and take your go pro for taking wonderful sceneries you will find at every step.
6. Forbidden City, Beijing – China
The place is called Forbidden City because earlier, ordinary people were not allowed to visit here. There is a best preserved imperial palace, it is one of the largest ancient palatial structure in the world. The city comprises of 90 palaces and courtyards. The palaces have wonderful pieces of architecture, the Emperor of this place is said to be the son of heaven. It is major attraction for historians and archaeologists because of it glimmering work. If you wish to shop, there is Wangfujing Street, it is the main street in center of Beijing and it ends in front of the Forbidden City Palace. We all are fans of Chinese food and when in china you’ll realize China is more than just noodles and soup, you must try a bowl of Douzi (formulated bean juice), Peking duck roasted with fruit wood, and a very popular dessert i.e. Lyudagun (flour coated glutinous cakes).
7. Krabi – Thailand
If you are looking for relaxation and also something fun, so you must visit Krabi on Southern Thailand. You will be mesmerized with turquoise waters and white sand. Krabi Island has jungle covered interior, limestone cliffs, caves, waterfalls and exotic wildlife. It is fun when do island hopping to Ao Nang, Phi Phi islands and few others. The night life is breath taking and you can enjoy the beauty of sky full of stars. There so many activities that you can do there like, sea kayaking, jungle trekking, scuba diving, rock climbing. The food in Thailand is very influenced by Indian, Mexican, and Italian cuisines. The must try delicacies are Green Mango Salad, Black Grass Jelly, Shaved Ice Dessert, and Coconut Pudding.
8. Fiordland (National Park) – New Zealand
According to Rudyard Kipling, it is the ‘eighth wonder of the world.’ It comprises of fiords (u-shaped glacier – carved valley which has been flooded with sea), snow – capped peaks, it has one of the ancient rain forest and is surrounded with shimmering lakes and granite peaks. There is also three great walks for trekking, Milford Track, Kepler Track, and Routeburn. Baos, feathered Baos, Porky, Cray fish, are the few must try foodstuff.
9. Bagan – Myanmar
It is the ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage site, it is located in the Mandalay Region of Myanmar. This archaeological site consists of Buddhist Temples, Pagodas, and monasteries. At temple site you need to rent bicycles or, horse cart to go around the place. The best time to visit Bagan will be during Full Moon in January it popular to celebrate local festivals. It is recommended to approach Bagan by river of Mandalay via self-contained river cruise. One of the very famous hot air balloon ride, which is booked months in advance, and it is lovely 45 minutes ride. One cannot miss delicious Burmese food- ShweOu food garden.
10. Havasu Falls – Arizona
If you are an avid hiker and adventure seeker, this is your heaven. Due to its blue-green waters it is also known as Havasupai. It has an amazing trek and filled with pretty scenery. The blend of colors makes everything soothing. For the trek, you need to pack your food, and prior reservations are mandatory for all hikers and campers. You begin your trek from Hualapai Hills, so it better to get necessary stuff like gas, food, and water from Peach Springs.
11. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi – UAE
The mosque can be clearly defined as white marble miracle, it is one of the largest mosque in the world. The mosque incorporates the architectural styles from different Muslim civilizations. This white beauty has world’s largest hand woven carpet and also the largest chandelier, and largest dome of its kind. The floors are so beautiful and due to white marble, that you need to wear sunglasses during day time in mosque because the floor reflects sunlight. The mosque has capacity of 40,000 plus worshipers. The food in Abu Dhabi is finger licking, some of the dishes are Khuzi, Al Maachoos, Al Harces, Shawarma, and Stuffed Camel (very popular in UAE). For your sweet tooth, there is varity of desserts like Balallet, EshAsarya, and Chabab, etc.
12. Lisbon – Portugal
The alluring pastel city is the capital of Portugal. The attraction of city is Sao Jorge Castle, the view encompasses the old city’s pastel colored buildings. Other places to visit are Torre de Belen, Tagus Estuary, and Ponte 25 de Abril Suspension Bridge. The city has a very stunning coastline and trip to Lisbon is perfect if you like cultural vibe, and an extravaganza nightlife. In local cuisine, Caldo – Verde is Portugal’s National dish, one must also try Pastel De Nata, Bifana, Shellfish, Bacalhau, and Ginjinha.
13. Fernando De Noronha – Brazil
It is called the beach paradise of Brazil and is also UNESCO world heritage with delicate ecosystem. You are lucky if you get to go this place because visitors are restricted here. The waters are filled with dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and sharks. There are some wonderful ecological trails of Jardim Elizabeth, the Esmerelda coast or, Sancho Bay, which culminates in a climb steep set of stairs carved into the split of a cliff. Also visit Praia de Leao, Baia do Sancho, and Baia dos Porcos. Brazilian cuisine, sea food, badejo, pasoca are delicacies one must not miss.
14. St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow – Russia
I feel in love with this infrastructure the moment I saw its images on Instagram and vlogs on YouTube. It is the Christian Church in the Red Square, Moscow, and is regarded as cultural symbol. The church is said to be designed by Russian architect and he has done a splendid job. The Cathedral is filled with amazing sculptures and paintings and if you are interested in knowing history and culture, the place doesn’t fail you. I love the dumplings and Pelmeni is amazing and filling, the mouthwatering BorshchMoskosky (Moscow style borscht), Blini are terrific. In desserts Ponchiki and Pastila are very popular.
15. Paris – France
The capital city of France is a global center for art, fashion, and culture. The major of the landmark is Eiffel Tower along with 12th century Gothic Notre-Dame Castle. The city attracts tourists with amazing boutiques and culture of cafes. If you cherish art, then do visit Louvre Museum. The city is ringed with lustrous green forests of oak and beech, also known as “lungs of Paris.” Triumphal arch and national monument Arc de Triomphe isone of the most famous monuments in Paris. In a city which is known for its cafes, you can miss exquisite food here, Baguettes (long loaf of bread), Croissants, Macaroons, Éclair and salted butter caramel are yummiest.
16. Cape Town – South Africa
Sweeping views of the city will make you fall in love with this place. There is slow rotating cable cars that climb to the mountains flat top. The boat from port will take you to Robben Island where you can find notorious prison which once held Nelson Mandela and now is a living museum. For world class cuisine, fine wine, and breath taking scenery then without thinking for once hop on to Franshhoek Wine Tram. Kirstenbosh Garden is another most fascinating site to visit, it is first botanical garden in the world to be declared as UNESCO world heritage. Visit quirky penguins at Boulders Beach. This place will make you wish to never leave. As for food, do try fish and chips, game meat, and Gatsby, Biltong and Droewors and in desserts try milk tart, malva pudding, and Koeksisters.
17. Blue Lagoon – Iceland
Home to one of the 25 wonders of the world is Blue Lagoon in Iceland. The place is so popular, that celebrities like Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian West, and others are spotted here which is treat for the tourists, due its popularity, before visiting here there is a need of advance booking, weeks before. Lagoon is known as Spa Island because of the natural skin treatment in water. Hot spring is not natural but man-made, but the minerals in water are all natural and healthy for skin and also said that it cures Psoriasis. The water is completely renewed after every 48 hours. The water is milky-blue water with stark contrast to the surrounding black lava is perfect combo. Based on the essence of the place, Lava restaurant sets perfect ambiance and one must visit here.
18. Cairo – Egypt
Cairo has stood for more than 1,000 years on the same site, and on the banks of Nile. This place is perfect blend of architecture and history. The Pyramids of Giza, near Memphis, are stunning and beautiful work of architecture which stands at southwestern edge of Metropolis. An Obelisk in the northeast marks the site of Heliopolis, where Plato studied. There are 400 registered monuments and some architectural monuments dates back to Roman, Arab, and Turkish times. Some of must try cuisines in Cairo are Simit, Hawawshi, Koshary, HamamMahshi, Egyptian Brunch, and Om Ali.Zibib is very popular in Egypt, it is spirit made from raisins.
19. Amalfi Coast – Italy
Sheer cliffs, and rugged shoreline, dotted with small beaches and pastel-colored fishing villages, if this doesn’t tempt you to visit this place then what will? The coastal road between the port city of Salerno and cliff top Sorrento winds past green villas, terraced vineyards and cliff side lemon groves it has everything that is tempting. The place has architectural and artistic excellence, and Amalfi itself thrives as picturesque tourist center. Among the top locations do explore SentieroDegli Dei, Monte Solaro, and B&B in Anacapri with outstanding views of twin bays Salerno and Naples. Visit during months of May to October. When Italy who can forget to eat past and try different cheese which is not just mozzarella along with it definitely taste spaghetti allanerano, tortacaprese and not to forget the exotic variety of wines.
20. Maldives – South Asia
Small island nation in South Asia is Republic Maldives. It is one of the smallest Asian country and world’s most geographically dispersed sovereign state. Explore the culture enjoy the turquoise waters with blend of scenic beauty. Connect to spiritual life with comforting and peaceful spa experience. Dive into the colorful world beneath the surface or water sports above the waters. Best destinations in Maldives is Baa Atoll, Male, and Bandos. Explore the culture and spectacular islands by visiting Old Mosque, Isdhoo, Laamu Atoll, Addu Nature Park, and Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve. Food is so delicious here, Garudhiya, Mas Husni, BoshiMashuni (banana flower salad), AluriBoakibaa, and Maldivian vegetable curry.
As you may have noticed, most places are beach destinations and that’s because I love beaches. The alluring waterfalls are my weakness, nature always soothes me. These all places will mesmerize you with its abundant beauty. Make your own bucket list, and make your travel dreams come true. Plan a budget, pack your bags, and hit the road. Travel all the world, collect all souvenirs and make your life a Paradise.
I will like to thank Wander Womaniya to share my bucket list with you, do let me know which all places do you have in your solo travel wish-list.