5 places you need to visit to define yourself as a real traveler

Remote islands afloat in the blue sea. Shimmering golden pinnacle-crowned oriental temples. A vibrant European city filled with world-class art…

What are your travel bucket list ideas?

There are so many fascinating cultures, spectacular sights and intriguing dream places to visit in the world that one is bound to have a hard time getting the priorities straight, i.e. deciding what regions, countries, or continents best meet your personal must-do and must-see travel bucket list.

Choosing your next upcoming once-in-a-lifetime holiday destination is especially hard if you are, or wish to be, a true traveler. A real traveler is someone who travels to experience new and enlightening lifestyles, learn about different cultures and traditions, meet people that speak, think and eat differently, and spend time getting to know them.

Unlike tourists and vacationers, true travelers go abroad to discover and partake in local customs and regard every single one of their journeys as a rare privilege, a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, an opportunity to broaden their horizons physically, intellectually, socially and emotionally.

Real travelers often get so involved with the places they visit that they suffer from inverse culture-shock once back home, dream of people speaking the languages they heard, and long for the traditional foods of the country they visited.

Because the world is crammed with breathtakingly beautiful places that offer enriching experiences of all kinds, many genuine voyagers have a hard time singling the best travel bucket list ideas out. Also, the more you’ve traveled and seen, the more you become conscious of how precious authenticity and preservation of local identity are, and how rewarding it is to have the chance to experience them firsthand.

Unfortunately, globalization and mass tourism have overtaken big chunks of all continents, turning paradise-like natural wonders and centuries-old havens of tradition into gigantic tourist-oriented amusement parks, which makes it even harder to find real, untainted dream places to visit.

Finally, true travelers well know that experiencing the unknown and stepping out of one’s comfort zone is a big part of every credible and legitimate voyage. Independently of one’s travel bucket list ideas, every bona fide globetrotter has, at least once:

eaten (or tried to eat!) something really typical and kind of crazy such as alligator meat in the Philippines, witchetty grub larva in Australia, steamed cockroaches in Thailand
spent the night in a hammock, in a teepee, or on a beach
taken a boat or ferry at night, and slept on the deck

All edifying and definitely unforgettable experiences, yes, but one doesn’t necessarily have to suffer and be uncomfortable to enjoy an uplifting and awe-inspiring once-in-a-lifetime holiday!

We’ve studied the global travel scenario, spoken with on-site experts, combed the maps, and finally come up with the ultimate travel bucket list ideas to aid veteran voyagers, and discerning adventurers draft their next wishlist.

So, worldly-wise ramblers, here we go with the 5 places you need to visit at least once in your lifetime to call yourself a true traveler!

Our exceptional travel bucket list ideas include places that will surprise and awe you, giving you an authentic insight into the local culture, history, tradition, and society, providing extraordinary experiences and viewing of incredibly fascinating wildlife and magnificent masterpieces of nature that will leave you speechless.

Top 5 places a true traveler must visit at least once (and insider’s tips on how to handle the planning)

While reading, please do keep in mind that the order is strictly alphabetical: we wouldn’t dare suggest where to go first, because all 5 are full of character and nothing short of spectacular!

The Amazon Jungle

The Amazon is a legendary destination. Virtually every voyager has at least thought of visiting the Amazon, and speculated on when and with whom to go. World-celebrated for its outrageously diverse wildlife and natural environment, the Amazon presents travelers with the opportunity to experience thrilling adventures, and admire memorable sights. Yet, no journey should be undertaken lightly, and this one in particular needs to be planned to a T, both to avoid danger and to be respectful of such a glorious temple of natural wonders.

Also, careful planning makes for a truly fruitful trip: one gets to see more, enjoy unique moments, avoid the more sought-after spots, and get an insider’s view of the secretive Amazon communities.

True traveler tip – access to the best spots of the Amazon Jungle is limited and not easy, and booking one’s guides and means of transport independently is a hazard. Hence, the best way to explore the Amazon Jungle is relying on the experience of a proficient travel planner:

One of the most well-crafted Amazon Jungle experiences currently available combines 3 nights in an eco-friendly lodge in the midst of the jungle and a 4 days discovery program conducted by local naturalistic guides, with a fabulous tour of Peru, including Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail.

The Austrian mountains

Superb landscapes chiseled to perfection. Awesome glaciers, thick fir tree forests, fascinating mountain trails that lead to luxuriant pastures, and flower-filled meadows that turn into a winter wonderland once blanketed by snow. The manifold attractions, that range from the dramatic Alps and lush valleys to the picturesque villages rich in old-world charm and local character, make Austria one of Europe’s most fascinating and sensationally diverse countries.

Der Berg ruft , i.e. the mountain calls, the locals love to say, and indeed one can hardly wait to pull on hiking boots and set off to explore the wondrous natural environment. And, alongside the natural wonders, rises a plethora of cultural and musical reminiscences, cutting-edge art and splendid architecture in the cities.

True traveler tip – those looking for dream places to visit should consider booking a vacation in an authentic chalet in the Austrian Alps, because, whatever the season, the outdoors is simply blissful. The regions of Carinthia and Tirol both offer great vacations year-round, and spectacular accommodation solutions.

Bali

Sweeping rice fields and palm tree forests. Evocative temples and looming volcanoes. Characterful traditions, gentle smiling locals, and incredible arts and crafts. Bali’s sheer beauty, its enchanting atmosphere, dazzling beaches and overall spiritual aura offer a uniquely alluring ambiance that has for centuries beckoned to those true travelers who roam the world seeking tranquility and a rewarding emotional and cultural experience.
Bali charms you from the very moment you step off your flight, captivating you with dances, colors, temples and flower offerings.

Wherever you go, whatever you choose to do, the island enchants your sight with astounding marvels, nourishes your soul with unending genuine spirituality and pampers your body with tropical splendor. The climate, warm and humid year-round, the amazingly diverse activities and the beguiling cultural scene make Bali the ideal destination for a once-in-a-lifetime holiday.

True traveler tip – looking to unwind and re-energize? The Balinese countryside is the perfect place to find your balance, and rejuvenate, especially if you treat yourself to a privileged vacation staying in a luxurious villa.

Faroe Islands

A mysterious, little-known Atlantis-like archipelago adrift in the foaming waves of the Atlantic. The surprising, pristine, colorful Faroes are the ultimate true traveler destination! Although just a short flight from Europe’s main airports, the 18 Faroe Islands are far away from standard tourist radars: floating in the Gulf Stream in the North Atlantic, these extraordinary islands show that, fortunately, there still are authentic, truly enlightening places to discover.

A paradise for all those who love active vacations, as well as for those seeking unprecedented cultural experiences, the Faroes offer magnificent fjords and headlands, cliff sides, sheep-filled green meadows and thrilling water-based adventures, alongside delightfully picturesque villages made of multicolored houses, and a striking lifestyle enhanced by inspiring local art, music and fine dining.

There’s no describing the Faroes…one needs to go and see for oneself!

True traveler tip – make sure you explore the Faroes led by a local: it’s the best way to get to know the most authentic features of these amazing islands. This Faroe Islands tour available today is conducted by a native Faroan and includes 3 nights in a typical home as well as kayaking, rappelling or cliff climbing.

Galapagos

Giant tortoises, marine iguanas, amazing cacti, penguins, mockingbirds, astounding endemic trees, deep-sea volcanoes, innumerable species of finches, flightless cormorants, and mockingbirds.

Located in the Pacific Ocean, at approximately 1,000 km from Ecuador’s coast the 127 UNESCO World Heritage Site Galápagos Islands, said to be a one-of-a-kind “living museum and showcase of evolution”, should definitely be included in your travel bucket list. Including 19 larger islands, only 4 of which are inhabited, the Galápagos archipelago showcases a realm where animals and nature reign, whilst humans abide, behaving respectfully.

Naturally, perfect planning is the key to being able to appreciate a voyage to the Galápagos in full, and, although land-based accommodation is available throughout the park, cruising is certainly the most enlightening way to visit.

True traveler tip – the Galapagos are a long way off, physically and emotionally, so make the trip worthwhile! Choose a cruise that lasts at least a week, includes tours led by naturalistic guides and a visit to mainland Ecuador too.

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