Life often doesn't go according to plan. As someone who moves town as often as she visits the hairdresser's, trust me, I know! For years I ran away on a whim. Several times. But instead of thinking of escapism as a negative trait, I see it as my defining trait. Something didn't work? i run away. Not happy? I changed something. And this is the journey that will change your life. I know, because they changed mine!
Post updated May 2023
A trip that will change your life
Many people think of traveling as just a vacation, a time to rest and relax. However, when done the right way, travel can be much more rewarding and offer long-term benefits that you may not have thought of before. Travel allows us to gain new perspectives and see life in a different way. It gives us space to unify our thoughts and enjoy different landscapes, different cultures and different ways of life. Travel can inspire and renew us so that when it's time to return to our ordinary lives we have fresh motivation and a clear headroom.
The world is full of so many amazing destinations that it's hard to pack them all into one month long trip or even a lifetime. Nevertheless, we've rounded up ten special tourist spots that are sure to impress.
1. Experience the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is a feat of nature that everyone should have the chance to experience at least once. It's absolutely stunning but also not an expensive trip as far as the actual entry fee goes. Many recommend staying for three or four days to really take in everything and visit the many different viewpoints. Only have a day or two to spend? It is still possible to take advantage of short trips.
The Kaibab trail is a great option if you want to maximize your time. It's not a very long hike but you can still experience some really great views.
2. Take a Solo Trip to Europe by Train
Solo trip is one of the best ways to discover who you are. In what feels like no time at all, you discover what you like, what you don't like and find direction and purpose in your life. Because you spend time alone with your own thoughts and feelings, your mind becomes very clear. You forget to accept other people's opinions and only listen to your own.
Perhaps the most sensible find on solo travel is (at least for me). Europe. Traveling from country to country is a great way to discover different cultures, languages, cuisines and meet people from different backgrounds. This exposure can help shape your own view of the world and I highly recommend everyone take a solo trip through Europe by train.
Read more: Europe's most beautiful train rides
3. Enjoy the Excitement of New York, New York
New York, also known as the Big Apple, is perhaps one of the most famous cities in the United States. It is a bustling city full of opportunity and art. Take a walk through Central Park or visit the Statue of Liberty monument. Don't forget to catch the Broadway show in Times Square.
Read more: 25 of the best things to do in New York City
4. Hike the Inca Trail
Are you fascinated by ancient history? This route leads to Machu Picchu in peruvian will definitely change your life. Nestled between the Andes mountains, the destination includes three overlapping trails for you to choose from. These are some of the most popular hiking trails available in South America, as all three were founded by the Incas nearly 500 years ago.
Read more: Everything you need to know before visiting Peru
5. Explore Venice from the Gondola
The city of Venice in Italy is known as one of the most romantic cities in the world. It is filled with beautiful architecture, art and design. You will also find many tourist attractions here regardless of the time of your visit. If you're really looking for a treat, consider exploring the city via a gondola ride with your partner. As you slowly wind your way through the beautiful waters of the lagoon, you'll take in views that include some of the most elegant and oldest mansions the city is known for.
Read more: The Complete Venice Bucket List
6. Enjoy the Northern Lights
The Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis, are a sight to behold. The best locations for viewing are known Fairbanks, Alaska and is said to be most pronounced between the jaw months of September to April. Keep in mind that your goal for viewing the aurora borealis is to view this beautiful spectacle on a dark, clear night when it will be most impressive to the naked eye. What exactly are the Northern Lights? Simply put, this light is a secondary effect of collisions between electrically charged particles from the sun itself and the earth's atmosphere. Yes, you can see photos of these natural feats online, however, nothing is more impressive than seeing them in real life.
Read more: How to see the Northern Lights
7. Sled dogs in Alberta
Dogsledding may seem like a very abnormal sport. However, it's actually a fairly common form of entertainment in areas like Alberta, Canada. It's a great way to experience first-hand some of the beautiful sights Alberta has to offer, from the perfect blue skies to the perfectly untouched sheets of powdery white snow. Winter in Alberta is one of the most exciting trips to take and there is no shortage of activities on offer. From ski resorts to glacial lakes, there's plenty to explore.
Read more: How to Travel Through Alberta in Winter in 10 Days
8. Visit the Holy Land
City of Jerusalem, located in Israel, is known as one of the holiest locations on Earth. After all, it was actually the location where Jesus Christ spent most of his adult life. You don't have to be a Christian or a believer to appreciate the historical importance of this cause. It was still a sight to behold regardless of the creed.
Read more: Visiting Jerusalem
9. Discover the Islands of Tahiti
Sometimes you just want to go somewhere where you can relax, lie on the beach, and feel peace. Other times you'll want to explore mountainous terrain and embark on a journey of discovery. Tahiti is the perfect place to do both with its' epic mountains and crystal clear waters. You'll fall in love with the island's slow paced life and relaxed culture.
Read more: A guide to Tahiti's most challenging island, Mo'orea!
10. Embark on a safari in Botswana
Botswana offers one of the most authentic safaris in Africa. With a high probability of seeing wildlife during the rainy season, most tourists visit the Okavango Delta during the flood season. Some of me favorite safari lodge are here in Botswana – including the tents Camp San in the calahari desert, Nxabega tent camp in the Okavango Delta and perhaps the fanciest of all, Sandibe Hut.
Rread more: Why Botswana should be your next safari destination