There’s nothing better than doing something completely unique on your vacation. I love researching new ways to spend my holidays, and here I’ve identified some awesome spots to add to that never ending bucket list. This goes out to the explorer in you.
1. Surround yourself with sparkling blue water, and marine life in Raja Ampat, Indonesia: If it’s some serious marine life you want to see, Raja Ampat is the place for you. The islands are rather difficult to reach – if you live outside Indonesia you need to take at least 2 flights and 1 boat ride to get here, but it’s well worth it, this archipelago is heaven on earth. With clear blue waters and marine life that includes bright coloured corals, manta rays, sea turtles and even sharks, you are guaranteed to see hues that no city person is used to. If you wish you can even visit some hidden beaches, waterfalls and snorkelling sites at Sapatu Island. With limited cellular connectivity, basic home-stay arrangements and a limited population, Raja Ampat is the dream vacation where you get to switch off real life, and switch on paradise.
Tip: If you choose a home-stay in Waigeo, organise it in advance; given the low range to cellular connectivity in Raja Ampat, the home-stay owners may take time to respond.
2. Trek on (and along) the historic Great Wall of China: Rather than see this Wonder of the World from afar, why not enjoy the grandness and magnanimity of the architectural marvel by actually trekking on it? Originally used to protect China from various invasions, this historic wonder has been built and rebuilt many times. Now a major tourist attraction, a trek on the Great Wall will have you seeing a number of little villages and magnificent landscapes of the Chinese countryside. The Great Wall stretches across over 8000km making you realise just how impressive ancient Chinese architecture was. The path is stony and steep, and you can choose your trek depending on how many days you have, and how much stamina you have. The most recommended is the 10km trek from Jinshanling and Simatai (4-6 hours) for simple visitors, or the 10 day trek of wilderness wall in the Beijing municipality for adventure junkies.
Tip: Different parts of the Great Wall are accessible from different areas. 8 of the tours are accessible from Beijing, but if you know the specific portion you wish to trek on, find out which city it is closest to and plan accordingly.
3. Go back in time riding camels and camping under the stars in the Sahara Desert, Morocco: What happens when you remove motorised vehicles and modern luxuries from your holiday. Well, you travel the old fashioned way. The best way to enjoy the ever changing landscape of the Sahara Desert is via a camel ride, and a night camping under the stars. There are plenty of tours that drive you out from Marrakech to the edge of the desert from where you can ride the back of a camel and imagine what it must have been like to live in the yesteryears. The Erg Chebbi dunes known for their size are the perfect starting point. So go on, its time to be Lawrence of Arabia.
Tip: Camel riding and camping is usually just an overnight trip, make sure to add in a few days in colourful Marrakech to offset the desert during your trip here.
4. Swim with green Sea Turtles & see the worlds largest tortoise in the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador: Although the islands are known best for the green sea turtle found there, they are also home to the world’s largest tortoise, the only marine iguana, as well as whales, penguins, sea lions, dolphins and a number of endemic birds. In fact it was after studying the unique wildlife in the Galápagos that Charles Darwin developed his Theory of Evolution. The islands form an archipelago west of Ecuador and can be best enjoyed on a cruise which will take you from one island to another. Described as a trip to paradise by most visitors, the Galapagos Islands are a must for marine life lovers.
Tip: Since there are huge efforts on conservation and protection for wildlife, land based staying is possible on four of the islands – San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, Floreana and Isabela.
5. Trek a growing ice body, and use some of its ice for a drink in Perito Moreno Glacier, Argentina: If you’re looking for pristine beauty, some adventure and the prettiest landscape you might ever see, Perito Moreno is for you. The ragged edges of this marvellous ice structure form a white-blue landscape that is a photographers dream come true. The glacier is accessible by road from the pretty Patagonian town El Calafate. The best way to enjoy it is the 6 hour long Big Ice trek. The trek starts off with a boat ride, followed by a trek to reach the glacier. You are then fitted with crampons, taught how to walk on ice, after which its time to enjoy the pristine white perfection. The trek is very safe, it’s just important to follow your guide because the paths change every day, and the crevices may be 1000s of feet deep. So if you have the stamina and can tolerate the cold, get ready to trek the Big Ice.
Tip: Don’t forget to carry a hip flask of whiskey or liquor; your tour guide will help you break 300 year old ice for you to enjoy your favourite drink with.
6. Check out the unexplained underwater frenzy during the Sardine Run in South Africa: Every June, sardines swim northwards in great numbers perhaps to move to warmer climates. While the exact reason for this frenzy of movement is not yet known, this activity has become a fantastic tourist activity. Since there are so many sardines, and they feed on plankton close to the shore, there is an unusual amount of activity very close to shore. During the sardine run, you can see millions of the tiny fish swimming together in perhaps the largest shoal man has ever seen. Schools of sharks as well as some marine mammals follow the shoal for a feast of unlimited sardines making the spectacle all the more fascinating.
Tip: There have been a few years (like 2003 and 2006) where the Sardine Run did not happen, so read up all you can before you make the trip, and wish for the best.
7. Step into your childhood stories in the Lake District, England: Ever wondered how Enid Blyton and J.K. Rowling came up with those picture perfect countrysides? Ever wondered where it was possible to find a bar call ‘Stags Head’, an old style raised bathtub and a beautiful countryside? Visit the Lake District in England and find the backdrop to all your favourite childhood stories. Every element of the countryside including the beautiful Lake Windermere and the vanilla fudge you can buy at every street corner add to this idyllic perfection. The Lake District is the perfect vacation to put your feet up, feed some birds, and appreciate nature and old world beauty.
Tip: While there are other ways to reach here, the drive up from London is the best way to enjoy the exquisite English countryside.
8. Get within a few inches from the greatest predators on earth – Shark Diving in Cape Town: If you’re the adventurous kind, you can visit the largest and scariest sea creatures known to man. Gaansbai, 2 hours away from Cape Town is the perfect place to go visit the Great White Shark. It’s actually quite safe. The tour boats take you out to the sea, throw in a ‘chum mix’ (fish oil + fish guts to attract sharks), and wait for the sharks. Once sharks come toward your boat, you can jump into a very safe and solid cage underwater, and have a look at the 21 foot creatures up close. The sharks usually won’t even see you (if they do, you are completely safe within the cage), but you can take some nice pictures and get your adrenalin pumping. So go check out the triangular teeth of the worlds scariest fish, just don’t watch Jaws the night before.
Tip: If you are even more adventurous, you can visit the less scary sharks like white tip and black tip, right by Durban. These aren’t man eaters, so just by following a few rules, you can swim by them cage free, and even touch their backs.
Images Courtesy Google
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