Who travels full time and gives you the best insights on being a local? Who experiences everything first hand and delivers it with authenticity? Who could tell a story in the most natural way? TRAVEL BLOGGERS. Everywhere I go, I see the most authentic travel bloggers ruling the world, writing and sharing their experiences. I met a handful of them, too, and believe me when I say they are who they are in person or online. I needed not to purchase a guidebook to navigate my travels. These bloggers are my bunch of human Lonely Planet books who definitely helped me in my world wandering.
Excited on what they’re about to say? Here’s the list of best trips 2016 according to these wonderful travel bloggers.
Audrey Bergner-Jeffrey of That Backpacker recommends taking a road trip around Ireland
My suggestion for travel in 2016 would be to hire a car and go on a road trip across Ireland. I went on a one-week girls’ trip this fall and it was one of the highlights of the year. Not only was the Irish countryside beautiful, but the people were incredibly warm and kind. We spent our week visiting castles, stopping in for fish and chips in cute harbour towns, driving down winding roads that took us through the cutest of villages, and generally being blown away by the beauty of the countryside.
Our girls’ road trip was only one week long, but during that time we managed to check out the nightlife in Dublin, visit monastic ruins in Glendalough, drive an incredibly scenic portion of the Wild Atlantic Way, and stare in awe at the Cliffs of Moher before crossing over into Northern Ireland where we saw the Giant’s Causeway, ran across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and drove through the Dark Hedges. If you’re looking for beautiful landscapes, historic sites, and welcoming locals, you really can’t go wrong with a trip to the Emerald Isle!
The Everest Base Camp Trek is on Lexie Willems’ (Steps2Follow) top recommendation.
After Nepal’s tragic experience with a 7.6 magnitude earthquake in April, 2015, the country and it’s beautiful people have suffered many more losses than their homes, loved ones and their livelihood. Since the earthquake, tourism has been down, way down, in Nepal. Tourism, being one of the most important economies in Nepal, is in drastic need of a pick-me-up to help the local people of Nepal who work in this industry repair their lives. That’s why I recommend my favourite adventure around the world thus far, the Everest Base Camp Trek. Nepal has made a steady effort to improve popular tourist attractions, that being the many mountain treks that the majestic Himalayan terrain affords. The trails are once again open for trekkers and deemed safe for those looking for the ultimate adventure.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp is the most challenging, eye-opening and educational experience you can find yourself in. You will learn to use mind over matter when your muscles are begging you to stop and when your body learns to adjust to low oxygen levels the higher you climb. Don’t let these challenges stop you, the remote landscapes you will see are the most amazing in the world and the unique Buddhist and Sherpa cultures you will be exposed to will leave you a little more wealthy, enriched with knowledge of peace, acceptance and love. Most treks are from 9-14 days.
Two Scots Abroad Gemma and Craig said Canada is a must-see!
Toronto, Niagara Falls, Montreal, Canadian Rockies, Vancouver Island, Vancouver. There is no denying that this intriguing list of destinations make up Canada’s hotspots. However there is a hidden gem tucked away in the West Coast of British Columbia that many Vancourites don’t even know about, the Sunshine Coast. We had the pleasure of spending the summer on the Coast in the quirky yoga loving, vegan priority town, Roberts Creek. Our home town was a gateway to nature and playtime. We swam in lakes, hiked trails, kayaked and paddleboarded all over the Coast. We even did some impromptu whale watching during a chilled out fishing trip too. Skookumchuck Narrows aka Sechelt’s Rapids are a sight to behold! Two to three times per day the waters explode and go wild. If you are lucky, you’ll spot a kamikaze kayaker taking on the challenge! Our favourite hike was at Smugglers Cove, the scenery really is just stunning.
Soames Hill is also not to be missed, don’t be put off by the challenging stairs. If hiking isn’t your thing, then join a boat ride around Pender Harbour, spot the seals and million dollar marina homes. Although the Coast is a Mecca for the healthy conscious, there is a nice balance of dining out, live music, and even a craft beer brewery in Gibsons!
According to Hungry Partier Drew Goldberg, a 3-day trek in Myanmar will change your life.
I had the wonderful opportunity to go on a life-changing trek across Myanmar with a small group of people. It was one of the most eye-opening and raw experiences of my life. The trekking journey was 2 nights, 3 days and about 70 kilometers. We woke up everyday at sunrise, and walked until the sun set. The entire group was about 6 trekkers, a guide, and a chef who prepares incredible local meals.
We walked up hills, down valleys, across train tracks, through gardens, fields and caves. Along the way, we passed through dozens of little villages where I saw many smiling faces and waving hands. In the villages, I walked through schools where kids will come running, screaming and jumping on my leg to say hello. Each night, we slept in a village who welcomed us with open arms.
This 3-day trekking adventure was like stepping in a time machine back 200 years. I got a first-hand experience of what life is like without electricity, the internet, washing machines, and hot water.
Everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, is made by hand from natural resources like bamboo and wood. I’m talking about houses, bathrooms,showers, playgrounds, textiles, shirts, chairs, tables, hats, etc.
People ride cows and horses to get around — there are no cars. All foods are locally grown in the gardens and fields. I highly recommend to go on this life-changing experience if you plan to visit Myanmar!
Finally, my personal recommendation will be Uruguay.
The smallest country in South America where the poorest and the most simplest of all the Presidents of the world lives.The country is too small that there are even more cows than its total population. Biking the entire country is possible, too. Beautiful sights like Punta del Este and Punta del Diablo will give you a 5-star vacation feel. Tango your way to Montevideo while getting drunk in mate in parks with the Uruguayans. Just so you know, marijuana is legal but that doesn’t give us the right to be reckless. ? Above all these, the Uruguayan people are the sweetest in all of Latin America. You will find yourself being at home when you are around. However, the cost of living is really high but worth the penny.
