I asked a number of travel bloggers for their very favourite places on planet earth; enjoy the wide range of awesome spots that you’re surely going to be dreaming about after reading what they have to say! This is our ultimate guide to the WORLD!
Wellington, New Zealand
By Travelgal Nicole – Nicole LaBarge
Everyone knows New Zealand is a stunning country but did you also know that Wellington has been named the ‘coolest little capital’? And for good reason. Wellington has a lot of cool spots that many people miss and it hosts the Te Papa Museum which is a national treasure, has a cool harbour for chilling and walking around and seeing the street art, and it has some of the best restaurants in the country. You can also take the cable car up to the botanic gardens for views overlooking the harbour and walk through the gardens on the way down. There is also a green belt going through the city which means there is lots of nature reserves to go for hikes or parks you can walk through.
Byron Bay, Australia
By Leanne Scott – The Globetrotter GP
Byron Bay is my favourite place on the planet because it’s so unique. It’s quirky, alternative, diverse and with a huge community spirit that has resisted allowing Byron to be turned into some over touristy high rise holiday stereotype! It’s kept it’s small town charm and that’s the way it will stay! Add to that the colourful markets, the stunning beaches, the music festivals, the lighthouse at sunrise, the dolphins that play amongst the surfers, the amazing restaurant scene and maybe you’ll end up staying for longer than intended just like me! 2 years was not even enough! Read more about Byron Bay here!
Bali, Indonesia
By Kate Comer – Rolling Along with Kids
Bali is not to be missed as the ultimate destination to visit. As soon as you arrive on the island, you feel the kindness that the Balinese are well known for. The huge smiles and complete devotion to their families is quite refreshing to witness especially if you are coming from a western society. There is so much choice on the island that it is hard to know where to start. The shops, entertainment, and beaches of Kuta and Legian? In Seminyak there is the huge array of foodie options that challenge the best restaurants in the world and do not forget the boutique shopping. The surf and laid-back nature of Canggu. The amazing 5-star resorts of Nusa Dua where you can relax and not have a worry in the world. The stunning sunsets and instagrammable photos that you could only imagine in Uluwatu and Jimbaran. The family friendly atmosphere of Sanur and the most beautiful sunrises. The rice terraces and culture that is Ubud. However, this only scratches the surface of what Bali has to offer. Cast your net further and you will be forever changed by the Island of Gods, it reaches deep into your soul and will not let go.
Sorsogon, Philippines
By Hali and Katherine – Tara Lets Anywhere
There are a lot of popular locations in the Philippines like Boracay, Palawan or Cebu, but you’d rarely hear about this quiet province in Bicol called Sorsogon. For well-travelled locals, it’s a great spot in the country.
Sorsogon has everything for the adventurer and casual vacationers. It has wonderful beaches for swimming and surfing, a green lake and a natural lagoon. It has a well-cared for marine sanctuary and a bee farm. It has nice beach resorts and hot springs. Even if you’re not doing any of these things, you can enjoy the simple life in Sorsogon – a significant portion of locals live in farms filled with rice paddies and coconut trees, very close to nature and away from the hustle and bustle of urban cities.
One other thing that makes Sorsogon a great place for me is the locals. They’re some of the friendliest, hospitable and warmest people I’ve met while backpacking in the Philippines.
Read more about Sorsogon here!
Noosa, Australia
By Melissa – Thrifty Family Travels
Noosa is a beautiful part of the Sunshine Coast, but with the Noosa National Park, Main Beach and Noosa River, it is a great place to get out in the great outdoors.
The calm crystal-clear waters of the Noosa River are just ideal for getting out and exploring in a kayak. You can bring your own kayak, hire your own kayak from one of the various vendors along the river or join a kayak tour group. My favorite thing is to hire a kayak and paddle it right out to the mouth of the Noosa River. Here you will find many sand islands where you can hang out on your own deserted island for as long as you like.
The Noosa National Park offers both picturesque coastlines as well as a variety of walking tracks through the rainforest and along the gorgeous coastline. Other popular activities include swimming, surfing, boogie boarding and even snorkeling around some of the secluded bays around the National Park. There are also several pathways around the area perfect for biking, walking and running.
Cartagena, Colombia
By Jason Li – Mint Habits
If you’ve never been to South America, I can’t imagine a better city to see than Cartagena. The walled city in the old town is one of the most colorful cities I’ve ever seen anywhere in the world. It’s lively day and night, and the people there are incredibly friendly. To top it all off, food, drinks, and partying is incredibly affordable even though Cartagena has become pretty touristy in recent years. I recommend at least 3 days here to really explore it. Just outside of the walled city is the area of Bocagrande – which is pretty much like Cartagena’s version of Miami with its high rise buildings. You can stay here for the affordable luxury lifestyle with the South American charm, or stay in old town inside the walled city for a more authentic feel. Either way, everything in this city is compact and it’s easy to get around. You may have heard Colombia is unsafe – but that’s old news. A ton of tourists visit this city every day and I never once felt unsafe here! You’ll love it.
Tokyo, Japan
By Matilda – The Travel Sisters
Tokyo is my favorite place to visit for so many reasons including the food, the culture, the people and its efficiency. Not only is Tokyo a large cosmopolitan city with many attractions but it is a mix of modern and traditional. From the celebrated cherry blossoms in the spring to the delicious sushi to watching a kabuki performance or catching a sumo wrestling match, there is no shortage of unique things to do. Walk across Shibuya Crossing (the world’s most famous intersection) and make an early morning visit to the Tsukiji Fish Market to watch the tuna auction and have fresh sushi for breakfast. Make sure to also visit one of Tokyo’s many cute and quirky cafes – there are maid cafes, a robot cafe and various animal cafes to choose from. No matter how many times you visit you will never run out of things to do in Tokyo.
Scottish Highlands, UK
By Susanne Arbuckle – Adventures Around Scotland
When it comes to scenery, the stunning landscape of the Scottish Highlands is hard to beat. Rugged mountains, mysterious lochs, shady glens, sweeping beaches, ancient forests and wild moors all add to the drama.
The Scottish Highlands is steeped in history yet it also feels timeless. Ruined castles and baronial homes date back to an era when Scottish Clans ruled this region and there are plenty of gruesome stories of massacres and warfare. Perhaps this is why the Scottish Highlands has such a haunting atmosphere.
However, there are also many pretty towns and the city of Inverness is a popular tourist spot. If you are whisky fan, there are countless distilleries to visit and outdoor enthusiasts will be satisfied with the wide range of activities available. If wildlife is your thing then there is no shortage of that either.
The Scottish Highlands has a little bit of everything and for me, the best way to experience this part of Scotland is on a breathtaking road-trip like the NorthCoast 500 or by boat on the Caledonian Canal. It’s hard not to fall in love with this beautiful part of the world!
New Hampshire, USA
By Frank Parrott – Nothing But New England
If there is one place to go to get the true New England experience, that is New Hampshire. New Hampshire has it all and in a relatively small area. Natural beauty is everywhere, with its stunning White Mountain Region, 13 miles of coastline, and some of the most spectacular fall foliage to be seen anywhere.
New Hampshire is fun any time of year. Besides the amazing fall foliage, New Hampshire has great skiing (alpine and cross-country) and a huge network of ski mobile trails extending all the way to Canada. New Hampshire’s hiking is diverse and has wonderful trails for any level of experience to be tackled year round. Spring and summer are also great times to enjoy New Hampshire’s seacoast. Deep sea fishing, surfing, or just enjoying the sun with a lobster roll that will make your day.
New Hampshire has something for everyone. There are festivals year round, fantastic farm-to-table dining, and truly skilled local artisans to make any trip to New Hampshire memorable. New Hampshire is the best of New England and a travel destination you should not miss.
Cebu, Philippines
By Marvi – OSMIVA
Cebu is one of the Philippines’ most visited island. It is popular because of its diversity. The island is rich in history and culture, awesome natural attractions and a bustling city on top of that.
Its major cities alone – Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu – offer a variety of awesome places to visit including the Temple of Leah, 10,000 Roses Cafe, and the Magellan’s Cross, to name a few, that are great for road trips in the city.
However, if you want more adventure, you can head out to Danasan Eco Park Adventure and Papa Kit’s Marina and Fishing Lagoon in the northern part of Cebu for fun activities such as ziplining, wakeboarding, ATV and caving among others.
Oh, and did I mention that you can also take a ferry towards Bantayan Island or Camotes Island for gorgeous white sand beaches? Yup! They are just perfect for a relaxing getaway!
You may also hire a private banca (a small boat) to take you on an island hopping adventure in Mactan where clear waters, fish sanctuaries and white sand beaches are available.
Of course, Southern Cebu has its own unique activities to offer too! Osmeña Peak in Dalaguete is a must-try for those wanting a short but equally rewarding hike. The peak offers astonishing overlooking views of Cebu’s neighboring island: Negros. Head further south and you can enjoy great beaches in Moalboal and Alcoy. Not to mention the famous Canyoneering in Algeria and Badian where you can also enjoy getting an awesome massage after at the Kawasan Falls in Badian.
Palawan, Philippines
By Karla Ramos – Karla Around the World
The Philippines is known for many beaches but Palawan has always been one of my favorites. Who wouldn’t fall in love with the longest stretch of white sand beach you can find in San Vicente Palawan? How about the clear, blue waters of El Nido? Have you heard about the Underground River? It’s one of the 7 wonders of the world. Palawan is just very rich and there seems to be something for everyone. There are good hikes and zip-lines for the adventurous. There are quiet beaches and there are those that you just can’t afford to miss. Really, I’ve been there 5x now and I wouldn’t mind going back for more.
Vienna, Austria
By Mike Clegg – Travel and Destinations
One of the best cities to visit in Europe, or in fact the world, is Vienna. This beautiful city is the capital of Austria and throughout is stunning and baroque architecture, impressive landmarks and immaculate parks. As well as this there is a huge amount of things you can do in the city. From visiting imperial palaces, beaches and outdoor pools, hiking in the hills or relaxing in one of the many traditional coffee shops. Because there is so much to do, it’s even the kind of place you could visit more than once, or stay for either a short or longer break.
If this isn’t enough to convince you, then consider that Vienna is also in a perfect location. Being located close to the border of surrounding countries with fantastic connections in and out. This makes it easy to visit and a destination that could be visited alongside other places.
Phong Nha, Vietnam
By Mike Still – Live Travel Teach
Phong Nha is the best place in the world because of its natural beauty tucked away in central Vietnam. You can find Son Doong, world’s largest cave, here and take a boat ride through magnificent limestone cliffs. Birds fly overhead and if you are ready for a trek you can go find waterfalls too. You can zip line and kayak in Dark Cave or camp out in the Tu Lan Cave system where Kong: Skull Island was filmed. As you’re trekking through the jungle you just might think King Kong is behind you because the landscapes in Phong Nha look like they are from another world!
Tbisili, Georgia
By Bilyana – Owl Over The World
Tbilisi is an amazing city, where you absolutely can’t get bored. There are so many cool and fun things to do in Tbilisi and I’m sure that everyone will love it.
Some of my favourite things to do in Tbilisi are to walk around the old town, to swim in the Tbilisi sea and to simply enjoy my time in the city. Also, there are many spots from where you can have a great view of the city. My favourite is the one from the Mother Georgia Statue.
In Tbilisi don’t miss to party and the free wine and Cha Cha tastings! A day trip to Mtshketa would be a great fit for your overall stay in Tbilisi as well.’
Taipei, Taiwan
By Patti – The Savvy Globetrotter
Although Taipei does not receive as much attention as other cities in Asia, it is one of my favorite cities in the world. There are many things to see and do in Taipei, including temples, large national monuments with changing-of-the-guards-ceremonies and tall skyscrapers, like Taipei 101, which has both an indoor and outdoor observatory. But the main reason why I love Taipei is the food. Taiwan is a foodie paradise and one of the best things to do in Taipei is tovisit one of its many night markets where you can walk around and sample a bit of everything. Taipei is an easy city to explore as it has a clean, safe and efficient metro system.
Kauai – United States
By Natalie – Unbridled
Kauai will always have a place in my heart. The lush green forests, the marvelous beaches, the magical Na Pali coast and – not to forget – the real Hawaiian vibes are reasons why Kauai is THE place on earth I would always go back to. This paradise island is the ‘Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory’ for adventurers. Hiking in Waimea Canyon or the Na Pali Coast, cliff jumping at Shipwreck Beach, taking a dip in a tide pool, kayaking the Waimea River, snorkeling at the coral reefs, and indulging in Hanapepe’s art market – I could keep mentioning all the amazing things you can do at Hawaii’s ‘Garden Isle’. However, the most memorable quality of Kauai is the ever-present island vibe that won’t let you go. I’ve been there twice for a couple of days and every time I didn’t want to enter my return flight. Kauai activates and soothes you at the same time. It pretty much forces you to “hang loose”.
Dresden, Germany
By Kaylie Lewell – Happiness Travels Here
Dresden in Germany is one of my favourite places. Originally a capital of culture and seat of the Polish King. Dresden was badly damaged during WWII and remained isolated from the rest of the world until German reunification in 1990. The city still has a palpable sense of its long and varied history. The central Altstadt has been rebuilt to its former baroque glory with the Frauenkirche, Church of our Lady, as the centrepiece. Cross the river to the Neustadt where the vibe and art on the streets shows the struggle of the people to find a voice during communist times and a political voice today. Art lovers can view masterpieces in the Albertinum gallery and street art in Kunsthof Passage. History lovers can visit the Military History Museum and the glittering treasures of King Augustus the Strong in the Historic Green Vault. Nature lovers can hike through a labyrinth of towering sandstone formations in the nearby Saxon Swiss National Park. Wine lovers can follow the Saxon Wine Route through one of the oldest wine regions in Europe. Music lovers can take in an Opera at the historic Semperoper or a symphony in the modern Kulturpalast. There really is something for everyone in this beautiful city.
Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
By Jub – Tiki Touring Kiwi
Sarajevo has quickly become one of my favourite spots in the world. The city has been through the highs of hosting the 1984 Winter Olympics to the lows of war in the 1990’s to what it is today. The food options, even for a vegan like myself are incredible, with great prices. The two farmers markets are friendly places to be, the sellers aren’t looking to rip you off, I didn’t even try haggling. In terms of nightlife, you are better off to head to Belgrade but there is plenty of spots where you can have a beer in the evening with dinner. Then the city is surrounded by mountains, something I always appreciate because the idea of being able to go hiking if I want to is comforting. All of this awesomeness while ensuring they honour victims of the war with memorials throughout the city.
New York City, USA
By Rachel – Rachel’s Ruminations
It’s a bit of a cliché, but New York City really does have everything. The problem, if you’re just a visitor, is deciding which parts of everything you are going to see.
Do you like history? Go to the Ellis Island Museum or the Tenement Museum or the even older Cloisters.
Are you an art fanatic? The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art and the dozens of smaller museums and galleries could fill weeks.
A foodie? Manhattan alone has five 3-star and eight 2-star Michelin restaurants. As for interesting ethnic food: name a country and you can find their food somewhere in New York.
Is enjoying nature more your thing? Central Park is lovely, the High Line is unusual, and a trip out to the Bronx for the Botanical Garden and the Bronx Zoo is worth at least a day.
And don’t forget to book theater or concert tickets to fill your evenings! Or check out the nightclubs or comedy clubs or … pretty much anything! I’ve been to New York many times, yet it just never gets old. A warning: no matter how much time you have, it won’t feel like enough. Plan your visit beforehand to fit in as much as possible.
Zermatt, Switzerland
By Sarah – Trip Gourmets
There is so much to love about Zermatt. This Swiss mountain resort, located high in the Pennine Alps close to the Italian border, is indisputably a tourist hotspot. But it’s not difficult to see why. The village itself is located at the foot of the world-famous majestic Matterhorn, and is surrounded by more than 38 peaks of over 4000 meters above sea level. During winter, it is an excellent base from which to access more than 360km of pistes, including Europe’s largest and highest summer ski area – you read it right, snow all year long!
For non-skiers, there are more than 400km of hiking trails and Zermatt is also a base for mountaineering enthusiasts. If you are looking for more sedate activities, a trip up the Gornergrat mountain to enjoy the spectacular panoramas from the viewing platform is a must. Add to this, dozens of excellent restaurants (many featuring cheese!) and multiple pampering opportunities at one of the many hotels with spa facilities. Zermatt is also car-free and has managed to retain the charm of a traditional Swiss mountain village. Really, what’s not to love?
Pisagua, Chile
By Iris Veldwijk – Mind of a Hitchhiker
My favorite gem hides on the shores of the Atacama desert in Chile. On the way to nowhere in particular, you’ll find the remnants of a once-great port city. Pisagua gives you the singular challenge of imagining what once was, out of the little that’s left of it. The town has played many different roles. Its tumultuous history involves smuggling and piracy, tsunamis, war and annexation, the nitrate boom, and being the site of a political prison camp during three military dictatorships. Imagine the rise and decline of a city in such a harsh climate and isolated area.
The abandoned buildings with the stunning backdrop of desert and ocean make Pisagua a playground for urban explorers, history buffs and photographers. Visit the old train station, the clock tower and the theatre. Talk to the few citizens that know its history and keep it alive at the one and only lodgment. Hike to the site of the Old Pisagua before sunrise. Visit the monuments to the wars and the victims of Chile’s regimes. Eat seafood or catch some yourself. Most of all, enjoy the near-complete disconnect from the world. I know where I’ll go to hide and relax.
The Azores
By Frank Parrott – RoarLoud
The Azores are the hidden gem in the Atlantic. The lush volcanic soil of island chain of the coast of Portugal provides for amazing colors and diversity of the flora, while the moderate warm temperatures provide for sun and fun all year round. It is no wonder that the Azores is becoming so popular with outdoor enthusiasts. Biking, hiking, sailing, fishing, and too many more to mention activities can be done with some of the most amazing vistas you could hope for as your backdrop.
Rather just relax on your travels? The Azores has just what you need. The wonderful food (their bakeries are the best in the world), shopping, and laid back atmosphere will quickly relieve any stress life can throw at you. It is amazing how quickly you will relax in the Azores.
As fantastic as the Azores may sound, there is also something extra special that you can’t miss, the Terra Nostra Botanical garden. Exotic plants and trees cover over 13 hectares of paradise, with beautiful grottos containing therapeutic thermal spas to enjoy. It is truly heaven on Earth.
Datong, China
By Terry Duffenais – Wise Kingdom
Nestled in the coal belt, it’s uncommonly visited and known to foreigners only for the purpose of transit to Mongolia. First and foremost, this place is absolutely magical. Of all the hidden gems of Asia, it’s by far one of the most remote and stunning. The city itself houses ancient city walls spanning nearly 4 kilometers in length and 15 meters in height. The two most avidly visited historical sites in Datong are the Yungang Grottoes and the Hanging Temple.
The Yungang Grottoes are approximately 1557 years old and were completely constructed within a span of 64 years. There are a total of 53 main caves and 1,100 others constructed under Emperor Xiao Wen’s rule. The caves have remained mostly intact, but due to pollution and gusts from the Gobi desert, it’s facing erosion and deterioration.
The Hanging Temple is a monastery built into the face of a cliff at about 246 feet above ground. This 1500-year-old marvel was the only place in all of China to house Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. It’s considered a dangerous temple to go to as it’s supported by wood poles slotted into the rock face. Don’t let that dissuade you from going however as it’s one of the most beautiful elevated heritage sites in the world.
In summary, if you’re looking to get away from the main tourist locations in China then this is the place. It’s cheap. has really good northern Chinese cuisine, provides access to other tourist-friendly locations in the north, as well as passage to the Mongolian border.
Antique, Philippines
By Maria – Travel With Maria
A few hours from the famous Boracay island lies Antique. It’s until now known as a place where mystical creatures are believed to still exist and where love potions are sold. It’s the only province in the Philippines that offer Kawa hot bath which is soaking your half body inside a refurbished and oversized pot made of metal used to cook molasses hundreds of years ago. Herbal leaves (you can add flowers for better looking photos) are poured into the water while chunks of wood are burned under the pot. Once the boiling point is reached, the steaming water emits a fragrance from these leaves that is perfect for relaxation. Sore muscles, creaking joints and some ailments are cured by these native medicinal plants. You have to wait until the water is warm before jumping off the pot, otherwise, you’ll be burned alive. It’s guaranteed though that you’ll have photos that look like you’re cooked alive. Some kawas can fit 3-4 persons, that’s perfect for bonding moments with loved ones. This unique way of wellness and the remoteness of the place are my two reasons why I always come back here whenever I need a digital detoxification.
Kyoto, Japan
By Jerny – The Jerny
Kyoto was previously the main capital of Japan until it was changed to Tokyo as the main city. Tokyo poses the modern and technological side of Japan while Kyoto had their traditions and cultural heritage preserved throughout all the years. There are plenty of places to visit in this area including temples, shrines, marketplaces, and famous towns. Some of the temples that you would want visiting are the Gingaku-ji Temple also known as “The Silver Pavillion”, Kinkaku-ji Temple also known as “The Golden Pavillion”, the Fushimi-Inari Shrine located in southern Kyoto, Yasaka Shrine and the Kiyomizu-dera Temple located in Gion District and a lot more. One more on the top spots to visit in Kyoto is the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, a place filled with bamboos, temples, shrines, and zen gardens.
The Maldives
By Hannah & Adam Lukaszewicz – Getting Stamped
The most ultimate place in the world is the Maldives. There is no other island in the world with water like the Maldives. Shades of blue you never knew existed. We spent 5 weeks island hopping from one overwater bungalow resort to another. Wake up in the morning and literally walk out onto the balcony and jump in for a swim or stay up late and watch the fish swimming through the glass floor. A Maldives honeymoon is popular and it’s a divers paradise. There is something magical about showing up on a seaplane or speed to an island resort. We know we’ll be back!
Alaska, United States
By Jennifer Melroy – Made All the Difference
Alaska is the largest state in the United States. It is Texas, California and Montana combined. The state average 1.29 people per square mile. The state is home to 8 national parks taking up over 32.5 million acres and that is just the national parks not including state parks and other national park service units. The road systems are limited to populated areas and numerous remote towns are inaccessible via road. The state is a tourist haven. Much of the wilderness is as untouched as it gets in the United States. The state is home to epic wildlife such as wolves, wolverines, Alaskan brown bears, enormous moose, and everything in-between. Animal sightings are frequent and it is not uncommon to see a moose wandering around in the large city of Anchorage.
The national parks provide epic hiking and opportunities to visit the wilderness. Lake Clark features some speculator blue lakes. Katmai is world renowned for watching the Alaskan brown bears fishing. Seeing Denali (Mount McKinley) is a special treat for all visitors. Glacier Bay and Kenai Fjords allow for seeing sea life while visiting glaciers. Gates of the Artic, Kobuk Valley and Wrangell-St. Elias are remote massive rarely explored tracks of wilderness.
Banff, Canada
By Maya and Michal – Travel with the Smile
Banff National Park is the oldest park in Canada, nestled in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Due to its beauty, millions of people visit every year. They come for the mountains, lakes, waterfalls, wildlife and something not many places offer – the vastness and wilderness.
All you need is a car to hit the road and start a road trip of a lifetime. There are countless lakes in all shades of blue, many of which are easily accessible for a kayaking trip. If you visit in spring and get lucky, you might even see mama bear with her cubs along the road.
What all people visiting Banff love, is hiking. Trails with different length and difficulty will show you the Canadian nature. Choose how many you’d like to do on your visit to Banff from the list of 20 best hikes in Banff National Park.
Huaraz, Peru
By Maya and Michal – Travel with the Smile
An off the beaten path many people haven’t heard of. Huaraz is an outdoor capital of South America. Climbers and outdoor enthusiasts visit Huaraz as a getaway for Cordillera Blanca mountain range. Most of it lies in Huascaran National Park featuring the tallest peak of Peru – Huascaran 6,768m (you can see in the picture) and Alpamayo, voted the most beautiful mountain in the world.
Visiting the surrounding mountains of Huaraz requires time. The city lies at 3,050 meters above sea level and acclimatizing for a few days before any activity is essential. It offers many adventure activities for all fitness levels. The most popular is a day trip to Laguna 69 – the bluest lake in Peru and the easiest trek to start with, is Santa Cruz, a 4-day trek reaching a mountain pass Punta Union at 4,750m.
And there’s much more, you can read our Huaraz guide for tips. I’m sure it will make you visit Peru very soon.
Tallinn, Estonia
By John Franklin – From Real People
My favourite place in the world is a recent discovery from a trip this summer and it’s Tallinn, the capital of the Baltic country of Estonia. The most wonderful thing about Tallinn is that every Estonian person you meet is warm, friendly and happy in a way that I have never experienced in my life before. Tallinn itself has loads to offer beyond it’s
wonderful people.
At the heart of the city is the Gothic Town Hall that dates back to the 13th Century. The streets of the old town are just perfect for wandering around and getting lost in. Visit Toompea above the old town and take in the Parliament and the serenity of the St Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Set against the city’s medieval history are the remnants of its communist past.
Tallinn was the host city for the sailing regatta of the 1980 Moscow Olympics and the TV Tower, Linnahall and Seaplane Harbour give you a better picture of this period in Tallinn’s history. Having only regained their independence from the USSR in 1991, history has been particularly hard on Estonia. Boy are they making up for it now.
Cook Islands, South Pacific
By Clemens Sehi – Travellers Archive
Imagine crystal clear water, white sand beaches, perfectly shaped palm trees and ever-smiling locals. Well, Kia Orana, or hello and welcome to the Cook Islands. If there was one place in the world that you could call paradise, then it’ll definitely be that one.
The Cook Islands are located in the South Pacific Ocean. They are comprised of 15 different small islands and the whole self-governing country has a size of 240 square kilometres.
The main Island of the Cook Islands is Rarotonga – a place like no other. The island has a size of 67 square meters and there is only one street that basically circles the entire island. It takes 30 minutes to either go around on a scooter or by car and it’s a true pleasure. People will pass you with a big smile in their face, you have an endless view over the sea and once in a while a cosy small beach hut, colourfully painted, will show up, offering delicious food.
Other than that, a day trip to Aitutaki will make you absolutely speechless. With a small chessna, the neighbouring island can be reached. This lagoon paradise is something different than a paradise. It’s more than that. Come here and you’ll never forget how crystal clear water can actually be. A dream!
What’s on your ultimate guide to the world list? No one said anything on Africa, so I hope you hit us up in the comments for your recommendations and enjoy your next ultimate trip to the world!
