Editor’s Note: Today’s guest post is from Charlotte at the new travel site Simonseeks.com, where you can find inspirational travel guides and expert advice ranging from New York hotels to hotels in Paris. Buenos Aires and La Paz are both on our radar for this year in South America. Enjoy!
Undertaking a round the world trip is an adventure not everyone will be lucky enough or indeed be brave enough to take the leap and do. Experiencing the sights and sounds of your dream destinations while travelling is the very epitome of freedom. However, these awe-inspiring experiences do not come without a lot of hard work first. There are many challenges when planning your round the world trip, although the best advice would have to be, be prepared – for everything!
Before the Trip
After the initial hurdles of saving enough money to enjoy the trip you want, picking your route and roughly your transport (plan at least what major airports and ferry terminals you will be travelling into and from) and having had all of your essential vaccinations, there is more you can do to ensure you are as prepared as you can be.
On the practical side of things keep all of your important documents with you when travelling but also keep a copy with a reliable person at home should you come into any difficulty while away or misplace them. This will provide you with a back-up plan. Also ensure you pick a good rucksack, the best you can afford, as this will hold all of your worldly possessions during your trip.
When planning your trip the best place you can look for inspiration is the Internet. Guidebooks provide advice on a destination applicable only around the date it was published; however, information on the Internet is real-time, up-to-the-minute advice on the goings on in your destinations. Read travel websites such as Simonseeks.com, blog posts, forums and become interactive. Ask other travellers for their tips and advice, use social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to find others who are in the areas you will be visiting for their top tips – you could even plan where to spend your first evening meal before you step off the plane.
Taking all that into consideration, here are my dream round the world trip destinations:
La Paz, Bolivia
Photo by szeke via Flickr
The sight when flying into La Paz, Bolivia’s governmental capital is incredible. First you see the sprawling shanty towns of El Alto then La Paz itself clinging tenuously to the canyon side the city was built on in 1548. La Paz is the highest city in the world, with an altitude of 3660m, and the views from the top of the city are dizzyingly beautiful. La Paz is one of the fastest growing Latin cities due to its influx of immigrants settling here to look for work and is best explored over several days to both acclimatise you to the change in altitude and truly enjoy its many different aspects.
The best way to enjoy La Paz is leisurely, wonder through the lively markets taking in the vibrant atmosphere, soak up the rich Bolivian heritage in the museums and learn more about the locals by spending time in a comedor, or restaurant to you and me. This diverse city is rich in culture and personality and well worth a visit on a round-the-world trip.
Easter Island
Photo by Phillie Casablanca via Flickr
Easter Island is one of the most isolated islands on Earth, although many think only the most intrepid of explorer can reach the island due to its remote location. That isn’t exactly true. There are flights into the island from major carriers; however, they only fly in from Tahiti and Santiago de Chile with the minimum flight time from any other continent being 5-1/2 hours.
The island reflects some of the most ancient of Polynesian culture and the main attraction on the island are the giant Moai statues of the heads of what are believed to be the island’s ancestors. They are sacred and if others climb on them for photographs make sure you do not do the same!
The landscape on the Island is that of a paradise, the beaches are stunning, and a vast cave system often overlooked by visitors must be explored.
Singapore
Since living in Singapore as a young child, this metropolitan city will always be one of my dream round the world destinations.
Singapore is chic city living at its best in a tropical rainforest climate. Everywhere is immaculate, and it is common knowledge that chewing gum is illegal to prevent it littering the pavements. This urban destination has many attractions to visit. A highlight has to be sipping a Singapore Sling in the luxury of the world famous Raffles Hotel. Something that a lot of visitors to Singapore miss is Sentosa Island, full of fun attractions such as water parks, theme parks, casinos, and even its very own Universal Studios. Along with stunning hotels and white sand beaches, Sentosa provides the best mix of both thrill seeking and relaxation. This high-end destination set apart with its cleanliness and first-class amenities make Singapore a must-see.
Vancouver, B.C.
Photo by JamesZ_Flickr via Flickr
Voted as one of the most desirable cities to live in the world, Vancouver is a must for my dream destinations. The city’s proximity to resorts such as Whistler and the Blackcomb Mountains, home to the 2010 Winter Olympics, make it the ideal destination for those who enjoy winter sports.
The scenery here is breathtaking: snow-capped mountains, beaches adjacent to the city skyscrapers, and dense forests surrounding beautiful lakes.
It is no accident Vancouver is so frequently voted one of the best places to live in the world. The array of different landscapes means there is something here for everyone. Be careful if you visit here as you might end up moving here for good!
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Argentina’s capital of Buenos Aires combines a city European in characteristics with beautiful locals, delicious Latin cuisine and a wild nightlife.
For those wanting an old-school charm, a visit to the outdoor markets, enjoying the colonial architecture or chatting to the locals in the charming cafes is for you.
If you are looking for something a little more Latino, learn how to tango, enjoy an Argentinean steak in one of the many steak houses or dance the night away in the feverish nightclubs.
Buenos Aires has a charm that on arrival seems strangely familiar despite being a place like nowhere you have visited before.
Connect with Us: