Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam

There is something intriguing about Vietnam and Cambodia. I'm not sure what makes me want to go there; The culture? The scenery? Attractions? Maybe just the thought of people's reactions when you tell them where you're going. It sounds so....foreign. That's exactly why this is my choice for our next adventure!
 After recently visiting Thailand, I discovered how amazing the people are, and how much more there is to see in that part of the world. After a lot of research, I think I've come up with a pretty good plan....though there's SO much to visit there, I'm already sad I can't see it all :)

Our trip would start by flying into Siem Reap, Cambodia. From there, I think 2 full days would be sufficient to visit the world famous ruins of Angor Wat and the environs. Covering 500 acres, there will be plenty of things to explore.

After our few days in Siem Reap, we will take a quick 2 hour flight to Luang Prabang, Laos. We will spend 2 full days here exploring the surrounding mountains and waterfalls on bikes, and taking a peaceful river cruise along the Mekong River. We might even squeeze in a day trip to Vang Viang and join in the popular activity of tubing, though it is a 2 1/2 hour drive...

From Luang Prabang, we will take a quick 1 hour flight to the Northern city of Hanoi. We will only plan to spend the one night there, as the next day will start our motorcycle adventure through Northern Vietnam. We will spend 5 days riding through North East Vietnam with a guide. There are quite a few tour options to choose from, and you can check them all out here with a good company I found: Off Road Motorbike Tours. Prices are decent and the trips look amazing!

After our long journey biking around Northern Vietnam, we will head to Halong Bay and take a 3 day, 2 night junk tour. The tours include all meals as well as kayaking and other excursions. Check out the tour options here: Halong Bay Cruises

We will then return home with great pictures and even greater memories!

 "Returning home is the most difficult part of a long journey; You have grown outside the puzzle and your piece no longer fits"

Tanzania & Zambia

Elephants, Rhino, Lions...Oh my! Imagine yourself traveling in a jeep with several other people, looking for animals you've only ever seen in cages. The animals are in their natural habitat, going about life the way they always have. Africa is an unspoiled landscape, with natural beauty surrounding you in all directions. Photo safaris, luxury safaris, budget safaris...you name it, they've got it. Going on a safari in Tanzania is my ultimate dream vacation...and unfortunately one I will have to wait a long time to go on. Why? They are sooo expensive! (Seriously, look it up.) I can, however, dream about it and plan for it so when the time comes, I will be ready!

In reality, I will probably not have time to do everything I want to do in one trip. But I'm going to plan it like I can, anyways! My African journey will begin by flying into the Kilimanjaro airport in Tanzania. I would start with a trek up to the top of the  "Roof of Africa," a.k.a Kilimanjaro. It is the easiest trek of the 7 summits, but still takes a lot of training. To trek to the top, you must be with a tour (or at least a private tour guide.) The trip can take anywhere from 6-10 days, depending on which route you choose to take. Some of the paths will take you through 5 different environmental zones and traverse under huge hanging glaciers. This is truly an awe-inspiring journey, as well as an amazing conversation starter. So get on that treadmill, book your ticket, and go climb the highest mountain in Africa. I promise you won't regret it!

After my successful summit of Kilimanjaro, I will begin my Tanzanian safari. My safari will be the Northern circuit, which happens to be the most popular. Most tours begin in Arusha, a big city near the Kilimanjaro airport. Almost any company you decide to go with will handle every detail of your trip from the moment you step off the plane, until they drop you off there at the end of the journey. It's nice to have that peace of mind! There are many variations on safaris, and you should  do a lot of research to find the one that best suits you. The first stop on my safari will be Lake Manyara national park. It is one of the smaller reserves, yet can boast  a higher diversity of plant and animal species than Serengeti. Nearly two-thirds of the park is covered by the lake. This is a renowned bird watching spot, as well as flamingos and elephants. This area is also well known for its tree-climbing lions, an unusual sighting in other areas.

After Lake Manyara, we come to the Ngorongoro crater, which was once a giant volcano. This is one of the most beautiful and concentrated areas of wildlife on earth. The crater floor is comprised of several distinct habitats including forest, swamps, grasslands, and sandy dunes. An estimated 25,000 large mammals are residents, including wildebeest, endangered black rhinos, and lions. Smaller animals include jackal, buffalo, zebra, and gazelles. It is considered the largest zoo in the world because of the mass amounts of wildlife in one place, and definitely on my must see list!

Next Stop: The Serengeti! Arguably one of the finest parks in Africa, the Serengeti is famous for its vast open grasslands and amazing wildlife sightings. The ecosystem is one of the oldest on earth, and is home to two world heritage sites and two biosphere reserves. For a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, plan to visit this park at the height of the great migration. Hundreds of thousands of wildebeests, zebras, and others cross the plains and rivers in their paths risking their lives with crocodiles, lions, and other constant predators. It's like a reality TV show...the original 'Survival of the fittest!'

The last stop on my list is Tarangire national park. This park is known for its vast herds of elephants and large number of baobab trees. Here you will find the largest concentration of wildlife outside of Serengeti national park. It is also the one place in Tanzania where you can regularly observe dry-county antelope. Along the river you can spot several of the "Big 5", as well as many others.

That wraps up my safari adventure. If I can find an operator who also includes the Masai Mara in Kenya, that would be my top choice! There are also many adventures you can add to your safari, depending on what the company offers. Hot air balloon rides, trips to local villages, bush-walks, canoeing, and camel back riding are just a few options!
*If you want to add on an easy side trip to one of the  best beaches in East Africa, check out the island of Zanzibar (also known as Spice Island)!

Now, I know this is the ideal time to end your vacation and head home, sharing all your pictures and memories with family and friends. My journey, however, has one more stop. Though this last segment will almost certainly have to be another trip altogether, this is my ideal itinerary and I can do whatever I want with it. So, for my final leg I will travel to Zambia. I am not going for another safari, rather to see the magnificent Victoria Falls. One of the wonders of the world, there is plenty to do and see around this area. Bungee jumping, gorge-swimming,  helicopter rides, walks through the rain forest and across the Knife Edge bridge all give you spectacular views of the falls. If you are brave and looking for something extra adventurous, check out Devil's Pool. During the dry season, the water is low enough where you can swim right to the edge of the falls and peer over the 300 ft drop in front of you. There have been no casualties...yet ;)
Check out this Video, Devil's Pool!!

While in Zambia, I think I might like to do a one day canoe safari, but I'm terrified that we will be attacked by crocodiles...so you can decide for yourself if you want to risk it. There is also a Lion encounter tour, where you interact with free roaming lion cubs. Check it out at http://www.victoriafalls.net/lion_encounter.htm. Between Sightseeing, safaris, and adventure sports there will never be a dull moment. Be sure to do some research before your trip so you don't miss out!

Thailand

Be honest- How many of you have thought about traveling to Thailand? Not many, I assume. As we sat around one evening discussing where to go on our next adventure, many places were suggested, and many were shot down. I didn't know much about Thailand, but it was one of those ideas that pops into your head and you don't know why...and it turns about to be the exact thing you were looking for! Sure, Thailand has mountains and beaches, things I am very familiar with. It also has something I am craving to experience; Culture. I know, everywhere you go has culture...but I have never been to this part of the world, and the difference in culture intrigues me. As I researched the country, I discovered more and more amazing things to see and experience here. So please, if you don't think Thailand is worth the effort, let me try to change your mind!

Your journey to Thailand will most likely start in Bangkok (because, really, if you fly into anywhere else your flight just doubled in price.) I don't plan on spending much time in Bangkok because I am not one for big crowded cities, but there are definitely points of interest in this city that would be a shame to miss. The first city attraction is the Grand Palace, the major architectural symbol of the Thai royal family and the city's most famous landmark. There is a dress code to get inside, so make sure to dress appropriately!
The second attraction I'd recommend is the floating market. There are a couple to choose from, and both are likely to be very touristy. But who cares? There are tons of boats piled high with fruits, fresh coconuts ready to drink, local foods, and anything else they think you will buy. Where else are you going to see something like that??
The third attraction in Bangkok not to miss? China Town! Everyone knows this will consist of crazy crowded streets with market stalls, street-side restaurants, chinese medicine stores..anything you can possibly think of. There's no better (or faster) way to taste the local cuisine, buy cheap handmade souvenirs, and get immersed in this unique culture. You could easily spend 3 or 4 days here and not see everything...but 1-2 is enough for me.



My journey will continue North to see the ruins at Ayutthaya historical park. The city of Ayutthaya was destroyed in 1767 when the Burmese invaded. They decapitated the Buddha statues, with very few remaining today with their heads intact. Seeing some of the country's history would be an exciting detour (not to mention  ruins are always kinda cool.)

Heading even more North, I would arrive at the city of Chiang Mai. It is one of the few places in Thailand that the old and modern co-exist. My first must see in Chiang Mai is the Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep, a very sacred temple to Thailand located in Doi Suthep National Park. Besides offering impressive views of the city, visitors must climb 309 steps to reach the temple (or give in and buy a tram ticket-boring!) Once  inside the grounds, visitors must take off their shoes and be appropriately dressed. After visiting the temple, why not rent a scooter and explore the beauty of the national park?

When researching things to do in Thailand, most tourists cannot resist booking an elephant riding tour. I'll admit I had this on my list as an ABSOLUTE must do. Riding an elephant through the jungles of Thailand?? Yes, please! But after more research, I discovered the sad truth about how they train these elephants. It's very inhumane, and the tourists feed the need to treat these animals badly. So, when I discovered that right outside Chiang Mai was an elephant nature park where they rescue and rehabilitate elephants, I was excited. When I found out that you can visit this park and help them care for the elephants, I was Ecstatic! They have everything ranging from a full day of helping to feed and bath them (yes, you get in the river and help bath them!), to overnight options ranging from a night to a full week. Helping them in their natural environment sure beats using them as vehicles. Think this over very carefully before you decide to get strapped on the back of one! (At the very least, try to find out how the company treats/trains the elephants.) Check it out at http://www.elephantnaturepark.org/index.htm

There is plenty more to see and do around Chiang Mai, including visiting local villages. I would recommend researching more before you go. After Chiang Mai, my ideal itinerary would involve renting a bike and riding the route from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son. It is supposed to be one of the most scenic routes in Thailand. There are plenty of warnings out there about the crazy road and the bus drivers on them, so be warned. The city of Pai is about halfway, and a noteworthy place to stop and explore a little. Mae Hong Son is still a little off the tourist map, but seems to be a beautiful city in the mountains. They have excursions for hillside trekking, hot springs, and many more exciting things to discover. It's worth the trip in my mind.

For the last leg of my journey, I will travel to the South of Thailand. There are so many beaches to choose from, and you probably can't go wrong with most of them. I picked out one called Krabi island. Besides having the beach, there is also rock climbing above the water that even visitors without much experience can do, and Tiger Cave Temple. The Tiger Cave Temple is a complex maze inside natural caves surrounded by lush jungle where monks live and worship. There is a spectacular view of the island from the top.

A must-do day trip from any island is a tour to Pha Nga bay. Dramatic  limestone cliffs jut vertically out of the emerald water throughout this treasured area, which includes James Bond island and Sea Gypsy island. A beautiful water excursion to end my tour of this exciting country!

100% Pure New Zealand

New Zealand...you don't have to say much more than that to get me excited! It will probably be one of the few places I go that could rival the scenery of Switzerland. It has made the top of my envy list for many reasons. The scenery IS the most obvious reason...and it's an outdoor enthusiasts dream playground! If you have always thought New Zealand would be cool to visit but never looked up specific things to see/do there then, please, read on! You'll want to hop on a plane tomorrow!

Being the planner that I am, I have several itineraries for countries I have never been to. New Zealand is one of them. I would start on the North Island. Besides exploring all the different cities along the way, there are two major things on the North Island that I absolutely will have to do.

 The first one is an 11.5 mile hike called the Tongariro Crossing. It is rated the best one-day trek in New Zealand, and in the top 10 day treks in the world. It is a challenging, often times steep, hike with unpredictable weather. Transportation needs to be arranged to get to the start, and to be picked up at the end. You can see everything on this hike, from twisted lava formations, to volcanic steam vents, to crater lakes. Did you watch Lord of the Rings and wonder where they found that jaw-dropping scenery? That's right...they found it here! Even if you are not much of a hiker..I believe this will be more than worth the effort! Check it out at http://www.tongarirocrossing.org.nz/



The second absolute must is a visit to the Waitomo Caves. There are several caves with several different adventure options. Activities range anywhere from walking on a guided tour, to rafting down an underground river, the only source of light coming from the glowworms on the ceiling (called black water rafting), to rappelling 135 ft down into the cave to start your black labyrinth caving tour. check out http://www.waitomo.com/ for a list of all their exciting tour options!







That wraps up my must-dos on the North Island. My journey will continue on to the South Island, where I will make sure to explore the awesome towns (and wineries!) along the way. On the South Island, there are two absolute must dos while I'm there. The first adventure on my list is the Franz-Joseph glacier. There are many glaciers to explore in New Zealand, but this one seems to be the crown jewel. It is considered to be the most spectacular glacier environment available to the general public. It offers a variety of activities such as a heli-hike (helicopter to the top, walk to the bottom), a glacier valley walk,  ice climbing, and a full day glacier adventure consisting of squeezing through blue crevasses, sliding through ice caves, and shuffling down near vertical walls of ice. Oh, man! I'm excited just talking about it!

The second item on my list for the South Island is Fiordland National Park. Inside this park are endless opportunities to see some of New Zealand's most dramatic and spectacular scenery, including world famous Milford Sound. Sea kayaking, hiking, sightseeing, lake cruises; the options for entertainment are endless. Milford Sound is the most popular fiord, and the only one accessed by road. Easy 1/2-2 hour cruises gives visitors the most in-depth look into the fiord, and offers unparalleled views. I could easily spend a week in this national park paradise! Plan your trip at http://www.fiordland.org.nz/

That wraps up my must do list, but certainly not my want to do list. New Zealand is a country that I am certain would never cease to amaze (or bore!) me. One trip would certainly not be enough for all the amazing things to do and see in this intriguing country. Hopefully my chance to explore it will come soon!

*Thanks to google for the awesome pictures!

Switzerland and the Bernese Oberland

The focus of my blog will be places I hope to visit, but I thought I'd start with somewhere I have been. Now, I haven't traveled much in my life yet, but I believe there aren't many places in the world more beautiful than Switzerland. From the snow peaked mountains, to the ridiculously blue lakes, to the quaint skiing towns, Switzerland has something for everyone. My latest excursion to the country started in Zermatt, a super cute city at the base of the famous Matterhorn peak. We stayed at the Best Western hotel Butterfly, with a gorgeous balcony view overlooking the city and the tip of the Matterhorn. If you decide you want to go here, please keep in mind that many places are closed during their off season, which is a detail that got overlooked in my planning (I'm not a professional, yet!) The train up to the Matterhorn viewpoint offers spectacular views of the mountainous region. We hiked the 'Mark Twain trail', named so because Mark Twain was inspired after this hike to write "Climbing the Riffelberg." It has beautiful, awe-inspiring views of the Matterhorn all the way down.

After Zermatt, we made our way to Lauterbrunnen, part of the Bernese Oberland, the most scenic area of the country. We explored waterfalls inside glaciers, took a cruise on Lake Brienz, and visited the world famous  attraction Jungfrau, or 'Top of Europe.' We relocated to a tiny hostel in a tiny town right outside Interlaken called Iseltwald. It sits right on Lake Brienz, and is the most relaxing place we went. It is definitely a great base to explore the region. Away from all the tourists, too! From there, we took a hike on the Pfingstegg up to a restaurant at the base of a glacier, only reached by hiking. HIGHLY recommended if you're in the area! We rented bikes from our hostel and rode them along the amazing lake, took a cruise along Lake Thun (Lake Brienz is definitely better!) and squeezed in some action packed adventures: Paragliding for half the group, ice climbing for the other.

Looking back on Grindelwald

The hike to the restaurant

Beautiful, relaxing city of Iseltwald

From there, we went to Luzern, which is supposed to be one of the prettiest cities in Switzerland. Honestly, after spending so much time in the mountains, Luzern felt like every other busy European city. The fact that our hotel was above an English pub didn't help (Though it certainly was fun!) We did  take a boat cruise on Lake Luzern and got off at Vitznau, took a self  operating cable car to a small hotel (with not a soul in sight the whole time) and found spectacular views of the mountains surrounding the lake. We met a wonderful lady named Sylvia who was thrilled to talk our ears off...about cheese. Yes, cheese. If you are in the Luzern area, I would also highly recommend taking an excursion up to Mt Pilatus. Unfortunately, there were clouds blocking our  views, but the few glimpses we got looked magnificent. You also get to walk through a cave around the perimeter...how cool is that?!

View from one side of Mt Pilatus

There are still many places in Switzerland I would love to visit, but that will have to wait for another day. If you are into amazing scenery, people, and food, please consider visiting this amazing country! If you decide you want to try the cheese fondue while you're there (which you kind of have to!) be warned that the ONLY thing the cheese comes with is bread. We learned the hard way. You also HAVE to try the Rosti, the most popular dish in the country. I think we ordered it every other meal.

Kleine Sheidegg; those clouds are covering the city of Lauterbrunnen

*For a complete album of my latest Swiss pictures, please visit https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10100798480929663.3159238.5234293&l=6a657273ed&type=1

**Let me know if you have questions on the area, or want to share your opinions of this amazing country!

So many places, so little time!

Hello! I am an aspiring travel counselor, and am constantly looking for new and exciting places to visit. From a slot canyon hike in Utah, to a boat cruise in Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand, I want to share all the exciting places I hope to visit one day...and maybe inspire you to get out there, too! I know how hard it can be picking where to travel, and also how easy it is to go the simple route and stay close to home. That is my reason for starting this blog...to help  you find inspiration about amazing places you might not have known about. No matter what you choose, I hope you discover amazing things. In the words of The North Face,"Never Stop Exploring!"

If you have travel  suggestions, or need advice, please feel free to chime in!