My 20 favorite experiences ever
Since I did my first “solo” trip back in March 2013, I have been blessed to have some incredible experiences. That being in the mountains, underwater, on beaches, in the jungle or basically everywhere you can think off. In this post I’m going to talk about 20 of my best experiences ever. I will take you from Asia, to Europe, South and North America, as well as Africa. The experiences are in no particular order.
Doing the 4 day Ausangate hike
The 4 day Ausangate hike took me through some of the most incredible scenery I have ever experienced. It took me to stunning lakes, incredible mountain views, among thousands of Alpacas, allowed me to sleep under the milky way and so much more. If I had the opportunity, I would do the hike again without hesitation.
Experiencing Cape Town with my family while living there for 5 months
Having the opportunity to live in Cape Town was one thing. However, being able to show this incredible city to my family, made it all the much better. Cape Town is probably my favorite city in the entire world! There is so much to do here. You have the mountains, stunning beaches, incredible food, vibrant nightlife and so much more. You have penguins filled with beaches, incredible hikes and after a short drive, you will be able to go on a safari. Cape Town has everything you could ever want in a city.
Trekking to Roraima in Venezuela
For some reason, when I talk about my first hikes, I always leave out Roraima. This was probably my first hiking experience. And it was absolutely incredible. It is certainly one of the most beautiful experiences I have ever had. We trekked through lush forests, open plains, and up the side of the mountain. On top, a whole new world opened up for us. Wandering around this flat surface, we had incredible views all around us. It is an experience I will never forget.
Skydiving for the first time in Venezuela
For someone that has always been “afraid” of heights, for some reason I have always wanted to try skydiving. Jumping out of that plane was one of the most incredible experiences I have ever had in my life. The thrill is impossible to describe. The adrenaline was pumping in me for hours afterwards, and I was buzzing to go ahead a second time.
Living in the Amazon jungle for a week
I have been lucky enough to be afforded this experience twice. I had two absolutely incredible experiences doing so. Living in the Amazon is difficult to put into words. There was just something about sleeping in a hammock, lying beneath millions of stars listening to the sounds of the rainforest. Something about waking up and watching the sun rise over the Amazon river. About trekking through the rain forest, and sailing down the river for sunset. The experience was just incredible.
Snorkeling with sea turtles
I have always been drawn to the underwater world. To get the experience to snorkel with sea turtles was absolutely incredible. And I did so in the most amazing conditions. On the Galapagos islands. There were a ton of sea turtles, basically on every beach I visited. The underwater life on the Galapagos islands is the most stunning I have ever experienced.
Doing the Poon hill trek in Nepal
Trekking in the mountains in Nepal was the first time I was exposed to this kind of scenery. And I fell in love right away. Being able to trek among these giants was an absolutely amazing experience, and I can't wait for the next opportunity. There are so many stunning hikes in Nepal, and I just want to do all of them haha.
Doing a helicopter ride in Rio de Janeiro
I have to say. Riding a helicopter above Rio stands among one of my favorite experiences ever. I didn’t have great conditions for the ride, but simply having the opportunity to do so, and see a stunning city like this from above, was incredible. It is certainly not the last helicopter ride I have done.
Traveling around Kyrgyzstan for 12 days
What a country. I’m stunned that no more tourists visit this incredible place. It is without a doubt one of the most beautiful countries I have ever visited. The mountains soar up into the sky, while blue lakes glitter beneath them. It is one of the most surprising and incredible experiences I have ever had.
Being a beach bum in Goa
I love Goa. I have been twice, and love simply being there. And honestly I don’t know why. The beaches are certainly not among the best I have been at. There are lots of people. Lots of locals trying to sell you things. But I love the vibe. There is something different about Goa. I have been twice, and both times have been after a few busy months traveling around. Whereas in Goa, I have done nothing but lying on the beach, having great food and beers. I really enjoy Goa, and I’m absolutely certain that I will go back again.
Sunrise at the Taj Mahal
There is nothing like a sunrise at the Taj Mahal. I had wanted to visit for so long, when I finally got the chance back in 2018. The experience did not disappoint. I can’t really describe the feeling of seeing the Taj Mahal for the first time. It was one of awe I guess. It is without a doubt the single most beautiful compound I have ever seen in my life. I have since been back twice, and on each occasion I have been as amazed as on the first one.
Experiencing rural China
There is something about China. Mega cities, incredible scenery, amazing food, rivers, mountains and so much more. What I loved experiencing the most was rural China. The rice terraces, the mountains, the viewpoints, the small villages. It is like an entirely different country. China is SO beautiful and it is one of the places I’m the most excited to go back and visit.
A boat cruise in HaLong Bay
As if this experience wasn't special enough in itself, I was lucky enough to get to do it with my family. For three days we sailed around this incredible area, doing small canoe rides, marveling at the incredible scenery and learning about life on the river. Sailing around the HaLong Bay area is a must do experience when visiting Vietnam.
Stepping back in time in Cuba
I had wanted to visit Cuba for such a long time, and finally got the experience in 2016. Safe to say, visiting Cuba is a remarkable experience. Wandering around the streets of Havana, driving old American cars, watching the locals dance in the streets while having a Piña Colada in a local bar, and stepping back in time in Trinidad. This is all Cuba.
Photographing the Canadian Rockies
I have been to few places with as much beauty in the same area as the Canadian Rockies. You have mountains and lakes in abundance. Incredible hikes and pine tree forests. The landscapes here change completely depending on the season. I have been lucky enough to visit twice, but there are so many more incredible locations I want to check out here. So many hikes just waiting to be explored.
Doing a road trip in USA
It's on top of many people's bucket list. And it is as amazing as you have probably heard thousands of times. I did a road trip down the west coast before I found my interest in photography. However I would love to go back, and do the exact same trip, with my camera in hand! There are so many incredibly beautiful places to explore on the west coast, and so much diversity. I would love to go back, but at the moment, it's not in the books.
Partying in Rio de Janeiro
South Americans know how to party. No place is that more true than in Rio. I would often wake up, go have breakfast, and have a beer put in my hand as soon as I finished. There are so many great places to party. The one I enjoyed the most was Lapa. And entire street filled with nightclubs and bars, and people having their own party in the streets. I had some incredible nights here. It seems that people party every day of the week in Rio. Now I don't know if that’s entirely true, however that's how it felt when I was there!
Road tripping in the Dolomites
I was so excited when I finally arrived in the Dolomites, and safe to say, I was not let down. Home to stunning mountains and lakes, the Dolomites is probably the most beautiful place I have ever visited in Europe. I experienced some incredible moments there, and was able to capture some of my favorite photos ever.
Driving around Iceland
Iceland needs no introduction. Everybody wants to visit, myself included, and I understand why. It is an absolutely incredible country. Filled with beauty and unexpected vistas, there is a beautiful photo to be taken around every corner. I could spend weeks driving around Iceland, and not get tired of it. I'm already looking forward to my next visit.
Watching the sunrise from Lions Head
This is one of my favorite places in the world. So of course it had to be included. I can't describe what it's like to watch the sunrise from the top of Lions head. There is nothing quite like it. The effort it takes to get there is nothing like the view you have once you arrive. I could hike there hundreds of times, and never get tired of it. It's a different experience every single time.
These are my 20 favorite travel experiences. There are so many other experiences that could have made the list, and hopefully many more to come in the future.